What Are the Punishments for DUI?
Penalties for drunk driving in New Jersey
The Essex County DUI law firm of Michael L. Pescatore understands how you feel after a drunken driving arrest. We can help put your mind at ease and have provided some of the penalties associated with a DUI in NJ.
Call Essex County DUI attorney Michael L. Pescatore if you are at risk of being punished as a multiple Essex County DUI offender. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and government have separate punishments that they each can apply to your driving privileges and record. Call Michael L. Pescatore to see how to limit these punitive actions.
Essex County DUI first offense — DUI laws
Essex County DUI Charges. The following New Jersey DUI laws and punishments are only for blood alcohol content (BAC) under 0.08 percent, not in a school zone and without the involvement of a controlled substance.
- Imprisonment for up to 30 days
- A fine of $250 to $400
- A minimum of six hours a day for two consecutive days in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- Insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for up to three years
- A loss of license for three months
Essex County DUI second offense in New Jersey
If you are stopped for driving under the influence within 10 years of your first DUI conviction, you may be considered a repeat offender and face more severe punishments.
- Imprisonment for a minimum of 48 hours and up to 90 days
- A fine of $500 to $1,000
- A loss of driving privileges for two years
- Detainment for 48 consecutive hours in a regional Intoxicated Driver Resource Center at $100 a day
- Insurance surcharge of $1,000 for three years
Third offense New Jersey DUI penalties
- A fine of $1,000
- Imprisonment for 180 days
- Detainment at an in-patient alcoholism treatment facility
- Insurance surcharge of $1,500 for three years
- A fee, determined by the court, to be paid to the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- 10-year license suspension
Additional punishments for all drunk driving offenses
- A motor vehicle commission restoration fee of $100
- Intoxicated Driving program fee of $100
- A surcharge of $100 to be deposited in a drunk driving enforcement fund
- A Violent Crimes Compensation Fund surcharge of $50
- A Safe and Secure Community Program fee of $75
An Essex County, NJ DUI stop can happen at any time. Anyone under the age of 21 who is arrested for a DUI in New Jersey faces unique charges, as does anyone caught driving while his or her license is suspended for a drunk driving conviction, or anyone who has refused to take a breath test. Our drunk driving defense attorneys in Essex County, NJ are available to help you with your DUI case.
Our skilled legal team can develop a defense plan that is crafted to fit your unique situation. You need aggressive defense counsel. Reach out to Michael L. Pescatore, a DUI attorney in Essex County, NJ, today.
