Under New Jersey law, a person who operates a motor vehicle, or permits another person to operate a motor vehicle owned by him with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the operator's blood is subject to a fine or imprisonment and to the forfeiture of his right to operate a motor vehicle. The Court must impose significant license suspensions, fines, surcharges, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center participation and in certain cases, jail and community service. Frequently, automobile insurance is also cancelled which can only be repurchased at the highest rates. Abstract maintained by the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles. No work license is available during the period of suspension and penalties for operation while suspended for DWI require mandatory jail and additional license suspension.
Penalties differ depending upon whether the offense is a first, second or subsequent offense.
The defense of a person charged with driving while intoxicated is a very difficult task. However, you should not automatically plead guilty without speaking with an attorney to save a few dollars. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending someone accused of involvement with alcohol. DWI is a serious motor vehicle offense carrying substantial penalties, surcharges, insurance surcharges, and loss of driving privileges, A lawyer experienced in this area of the law can obtain all the appropriate records of your arrest and breathalyzer test results.