DUI Penalties in New Jersey

New Jersey has different penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) based on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest, number of previous DUI convictions and circumstances surrounding the arrest. Most other states leave driver’s license jurisdiction in the hands of the state Department of Motor Vehicles, however, New Jersey law differs in that New Jersey courts retain the right to suspend and revoke driver’s licenses.

1st Offense

The first time a person is convicted of DUI in New Jersey with BAC between .08% and .10% at the time of arrest, penalties include three (3) months driver’s license suspension, a prison term of up to thirty (30) days, and fines, fees and surcharges totaling up to $3905. In addition, the person convicted of DUI in New Jersey for the first time will be required to attend the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for twelve (12) to forty-eight (48) hours.

The consequences for a first time conviction of DUI in New Jersey with a BAC of .10% or greater at the time of arrest are similar to those mentioned above. The difference is that fines and fees may total $4005 and the person convicted of DUI will experience a suspension of their driver’s license for a longer time period: seven (7) months to one (1) year.

2nd Offense

Penalties for a second conviction of DUI in New Jersey within ten (10) years of the first include the loss of one’s driver’s license for a period of two (2) years, fines, fees and surcharges totaling up to $4555, forty-eight (48) hours to ninety (90) days in jail, and thirty (30) days community service. Additionally, the second time convicted DUI offender will be required to attend twelve (12) to forty-eight (48) hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.

3rd Offense

Consequences for a third DUI conviction in New Jersey within ten (10) years of the previous conviction include the loss of one’s driver’s license for ten (10) years, fines, fees and surcharges totaling up to $6005, one-hundred eighty (180) days in jail, and up to ninety (90) days of community service. In addition, the convicted driver must attend twelve (12) to forty-eight (48) hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.

If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in New Jersey, it is important to contact an attorney specializing in New Jersey DUI law as soon as possible. Contacting a DUI lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights are protected.