Dealing with a DWI/DUI charge in New Jersey can be overwhelming. A conviction can result in expensive fines, a loss of driving privileges, and imprisonment. These harsh penalties can affect every aspect of your life, from your finances to your freedom, for years to come.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Turn to The Law Office of Steven Ellman for help. Our firm provides the support and defense you need during this challenging time. Steven Ellman is known for his successful track record handling DUI/DWI
and traffic violations across the Garden State. His commitment to each case combines a strong defense with a compassionate understanding of every client’s situation.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a DWI attorney in New Brunswick, NJ.
In New Jersey, the terms DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) are used interchangeably to describe the offense of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The state strictly enforces legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits, which vary for different drivers.
The legal limit for most drivers is 0.08 percent, but it’s 0.04 percent for commercial drivers. Additionally, New Jersey has a zero-tolerance DUI/DWI policy for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable BAC is unlawful.
New Jersey’s DUI/DWI laws also address drug impairment. Driving under the influence of any narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug is illegal. This includes prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs if they impair the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Law enforcement officers in New Jersey use various methods to determine drug impairment, including field sobriety tests and drug recognition evaluations. The penalties for drug-impaired driving are similar to those for alcohol-related offenses and can include fines, license suspension, jail time, and other consequences.
In New Jersey, the penalties for DUI/DWI offenses vary based on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver and if they have a history of prior offenses.
First Offense
For a DUI/DWI with a BAC of at least 0.08 but less than 0.10 percent, drivers face a fine of $250 to $400 and up to 30 days in jail. Drivers must forfeit their licenses until ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are installed on their vehicles, which are required for three months. Drivers must also participate for at least six hours a day for two consecutive days in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). Finally, drivers face an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 annually for three years.
For a DUI/DWI with a BAC of at least 0.10 but less than 0.15 percent, the fine increases to $300 to $500, but the potential jail time remains the same. IID installation is required for seven months to one year. IDRC participation and auto insurance surcharge penalties remain the same.
Most first-time penalties for a DUI/DWI with a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher stay the same. However, drivers face mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device during a license revocation period of four to six months and nine to 15 additional months after license restoration.
Second Offense
Second-time offenders face fines of $500 to $1,000, at least 48 consecutive hours and up to 90 days in jail, and a one- to two-year license forfeiture. Drivers must also complete IDRC courses and 30 days of mandatory community service. These offenders also face a $1,000 insurance surcharge for three years and must install IIDs for the duration of the license suspension and two to four years after license restoration.
Third and Subsequent Offenses
Third offenders face a fine of $1,000, jail time of 90 to 180 days, an eight-year license revocation, and 30 days of mandatory community service. They must also complete IDRC courses and incur a $1,500 insurance surcharge for three years. IIDs are mandatory throughout the license revocation period and for two to four years after restoration.
Hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney can protect your rights and improve your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome in your case. An experienced lawyer understands your constitutional rights, New Jersey’s DWI laws, and how to investigate your case and build an effective defense. They will scrutinize the procedures law enforcement used during your arrest, including the administration of field sobriety and breathalyzer tests. They can also look for and highlight any irregularities or errors to strengthen your defense.
At the Law Office of Steven Ellman, we can craft a tailored defense strategy based on the specifics of your case. We consider every detail, from the circumstances of your arrest to your personal and legal history, to develop a strategy to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. Attorney Steven Ellman’s experience negotiating with prosecutors is also often essential in reducing charges or penalties in New Brunswick DWI cases.
Firm founder Steven Ellman has earned a strong reputation throughout New Jersey for his ability to secure favorable outcomes in DUI/DWI and other traffic violation cases. With an 80 percent dismissal rate, he is recognized among the top 10 attorneys in New Jersey for dropped charges.
Our law firm’s principles are straightforward. Every client deserves respect, honest representation, transparency, and reasonable fees. Guided by these values, Steven Ellman commits to exceeding expectations and striving for meaningful results. This commitment makes The Law Office of Steven Ellman a strong choice for anyone seeking defense in DUI/DWI cases in New Jersey.
There’s a lot at stake if you’re facing a DWI/DUI charge in New Jersey. Getting the right legal help can ensure that you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process. Contact The Law Office of Steven Ellman today to arrange your free case evaluation with our New Brunswick DWI lawyer.
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