DWI Penalties in New Jersey

DWI Penalties in New Jersey: License Suspension, Fines, Fees, Jail Time

NJ DWI Lawyers Serving Camden County and Nearby Areas

The penalties for DWI in New Jersey are extensive and severe. As a person charged with driving under the influence, you face a period of driver’s license suspension, significant fines, an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle, court fees and assessment, surcharges to the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles, increasing insurance premiums, mandatory attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), and a potential jail term. Some DWI convictions also require community service and can even lead to substance abuse treatment. The potential penalties for DUI in New Jersey vary based on a number of factors, including the number (if any) of previous DWI convictions on your driving record, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), if you consented to a breathalyzer test, and if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Regardless of the circumstances of your DWI case, our firm can help.

William Fay is a highly accomplished DWI defense lawyer whose experience in the courtroom and commitment to delivering superior outcomes has earned him a reputation as a skilled DUI Defense Attorney in New Jersey. As a former Deputy Attorney General for the NJ Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Fay skillfully attacks the prosecution’s case in pursuit of a dismissal. Here is what one former client said about Mr. Fay’s work on their case:

“Excellent Lawyer .. To have on your side !! Attorney William really knows his stuff.. He a honest excellent attorney. He was very informative and handled the case with the highest level of care and professionalism. He cares about people not just the money. I would highly recommend him to anyone. And if needed will definitely use him again. Thanks Bill for all the help!!!” – ★★★★★  Sean H.

To read more of Mr. Fay’s client reviews, you can visit his profile on Avvo.com. Contact our offices at 609-832-3202 for a free consultation with an experienced DWI attorney.

NJ Penalties for Driving Under the Influence DUI

Under New Jersey DWI Law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50), a person is considered driving while intoxicated if he or she operates a motor vehicle or vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. A person is also guilty of DUI if he or she drives under the influence of a narcotic or habit producing drug. The potential consequences of a DUI conviction are vast and prosecutors are not allowed to offer diminished penalties under any circumstances. In other words, if you are convicted of DWI in New Jersey, there is no way to negotiate for a lesser sentence. New Jersey also refuses to offer hardship licenses to those found guilty of drunk or drugged driving.

First Offense DWI with BAC between 0.08% and 0.10% and Drug DUI

  • License suspension until an ignition interlock device is installed for a period of 3 months
  • Up to 30 days in jail
  • Fines between $250 and $400
  • $1,000 per year for 3 years in motor vehicle surcharges
  • $230 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee
  • $100 to the drunk driving fund
  • $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
  • $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund
  • 12 to 48 hours of attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center

First Offense DWI with BAC of 0.10% or Higher

  • License suspension until an ignition interlock device is installed for a period of between 7 months and 1 year
  • Fines between $300 and $500
  • All of the penalties above
  • For a BAC of 0.15% or higher:
    • License suspension for 4 to 6 months
    • Mandatory ignition interlock device for a period of between 9 months and 15 months after license restoration

Second Offense DWI

  • License suspension for 1 to 2 years
  • Between 2 and 90 days in jail
  • Fines between $500 and $1,000
  • $1,000 per year for 3 years in motor vehicle surcharges
  • $280 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee
  • $100 to drunk driving fund
  • $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
  • $75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
  • 30 days community service
  • 12 to 48 hours of attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • Ignition interlock device during license suspension and between 2 and 4 years after restoration

Third Offense DWI

  • License suspension for 8 years
  • 180 days in jail
  • $1,000 fine
  • $1,500 per year for 3 years in motor vehicle surcharges
  • $280 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee
  • $100 to drunk driving fund
  • $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
  • $75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
  • Up to 90 days community service
  • 12 to 48 hours of attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • Ignition interlock device during license suspension and between 2 and 4 years after restoration

Additional DWI Resources & Information

Testimonials

testimonials reviews
"Excellent criminal defense lawyer"

"William handled a matter for me and exceeded my expectations. He was excellent in all areas of the law and achieved an outstanding result. Best of all,he demonstrates honesty and integrity. I would highly recommend William and already have."

Wayne

testimonials reviews
"Amazing!!!"

"I was so scared and nervous about my legal situation but Mr. Fay did an outstanding job with my case!!! I was so relieved with the outcome and he worked so hard for me! He was so calm and understanding and I’m so grateful for him. Thank you so very much for helping me! I am so grateful appreciative."

Jessica

testimonials reviews
"All Charges Dropped & Expunged"

"William defended me in my marijuana + paraphernalia case, he had all charges dropped and expunged! Despite the fact I was long past conditional discharges/probation, etc. He has a sharp wit and a bright future ahead of him as an attorney. Thanks again Will!"

Andrew

testimonials reviews
"Fantastic Lawyer"

"Mr. Fay is a fantastic lawyer. He helped me during a very stressful time in my life. He was knowledgeable about my case and what my options were. He answered all my questions and was very reassuring. He was there waiting for me at the entrance on my court date and made me feel at ease. He worked with the prosecutor to reduce my charges. I got the best outcome I could have hoped for. I highly recommend Mr. Fay if you need a lawyer."

Eric

testimonials reviews
"Marijuana Charges"

"I was arrested and summoned to court for possession of marijuana, even though I didn't have any on me. It was my first time getting in trouble and I was terrified and nervous. Mr. Fay came into court prepared and was extremely assuring. He made it very clear that he was going to fight for my case until the very end. He was extremely knowledgable about my case and the ways to resolve it. I would recommend Mr. Fay to anyone who has gotten into trouble."

former client

testimonials reviews
"Excellent lawyer. Highly recommended."

"Mr. Fay is extremely caring and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the entire process in a very clear manner and was a tremendous help during a stressful time. He was always available to take a phone call and really showed that he cared about me and my case. I highly recommend Mr. Fay as an attorney." "

former client

testimonials reviews
"Highly recommend"

"Great lawyer. Created a best possible outcome for my case."

former client

testimonials reviews
"Amazing job, explains very clearly"

"He did a fantastic job on my case, making my penalty much less than I thought it could possibly be. He clearly understands what he is doing and can explain everything in a way that anyone can understand. Any questions I had were answered very clearly and he listened to all small details of my case."

former client

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If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal or DUI offense in New Jersey, finding the answers you need to make informed decisions is critical. Complete our contact form to request your free consultation or contact 609-832-3202


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