DWI First Offense in New Jersey
Serious Penalties Associated with a First Offense DUI
In New Jersey, DWI/DUI is charged as a traffic offense, but that does not lessen the severity of the charge. Even on a first offense DWI, you could face serious penalties, including:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Fines, fees and surcharges up to $4,105
- Possible jail time up to 30 days and probation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle
- Alcohol education classes
- Increased auto insurance premiums or loss of insurance
- Job loss
Driving a motor vehicle or a boat with a BAC of .08 percent or higher is considered driving while intoxicated. Consult with an experienced and proactive lawyer immediately if you or a loved one has been arrested for DWI. Consequences increase in severity at BAC levels above .1 percent and .15 percent.
I am John W. Tumelty, an experienced Atlantic City DWI attorney. As a former state prosecutor with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and former assistant county prosecutor with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, I can fight for your rights and work aggressively to minimize or avoid the consequential penalties you face.
Penalties of DWI First Offense in New Jersey
BAC of .08 percent or higher but less than .1 percent:
- Fines, fees and surcharges up to $3,905 not including court fees and IID installation:
- Fine of $250 to $400
- $230 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee
- $100 to drunk driving fund
- $100 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund (AERF) fee
- $1,000/year (for three years) surcharge
- $75 to Neighborhood Service Fund
- Detainment of 12 to 48 hours during two consecutive days
- Imprisonment up to 30 days
- Driver’s license suspension for three months
- If under 17 years old, license suspension until 17th birthday and three months thereafter
- Possible IID installed on all owned, leased or regularly operated vehicles for six months to one year after license restoration
BAC of .1 percent or more:
- Fines, fees and surcharges up to $4,105 not including court fees and IID installation:
- Fine of $300 to $500
- All fees and surcharges of .08 to .1 percent BAC offense
- Detainment of 12 to 48 hours during two consecutive days
- Imprisonment up to 30 days
- Driver’s license suspension for seven months to one year
- If under 17 years old, license suspension until 17th birthday and seven months to one year thereafter
- Possible IID installed on all owned, leased or regularly operated vehicles for six months to one year after the period of license suspension
- If your BAC is verified at .15 percent or greater, an IID will be installed during license suspension and six months to one year after restoration.
*Penalties increase dramatically in school zones.
Need a DUI Attorney in Atlantic City?
Call me today at 609-390-4600 to schedule your free consultation to discuss your options.
