What are the penalties for a DWI in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more is a DWI which is a quasi-criminal offense. This offense may incur possible jail time. The list of New Jersey DWI penalties includes the following:

1st DWI Conviction

• Jail time of up to 30 days
• Fine of $250 to $400
• License suspension of 3 months
• Fee of $230 paid to the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
• Fine of $100 paid to the Drunk Driving Fund
• Fine of $100 paid to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund (AERF)
• Surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years imposed to all out of state drivers
• Fee of $75 paid to the Neighborhood Services Fund
• Mandatory 12 to 48 hours on 2 consecutive days in an IDRC program
• Possible installation of an interlock device on vehicle for 6 months to 1 year

If the driver's BAC was .10% or higher he or she face the following additional penalties:

• License suspension of 7 months up to a year
• Fine of $300 to $500
• mandatory interlock device installment

2nd DWI Conviction

• Jail time of 48 hours to 90 days
• Mandatory suspension of driving privileges for two years
• Fine of $500 to $1,000
• Possible community service of 30 days
• Mandatory installation of an interlock device on any vehicle for 1 to 3 years
• 2-year suspension of registration privileges

3rd or Subsequent Convictions

• Mandatory jail time of 180 days (90 days served in prison, another 90 days possibly served in an in-patient facility)
• Fine of $1,000
• Mandatory license suspension for 10 years
• Possible community service of up to 90 days
• Mandatory installation of an interlock device for 1 to 3 years
• Suspension or revocation of all registration privileges for 10 years

If you face DWI charges in New Jersey, consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to defend against possible prosecution and/or conviction.