DUI in New Jersey can be considered a violent criminal offense, as its standards as well as consequences are very rigorous. The state has acted on those who decide to drive a vehicle after taking substances that cause danger to other motorists on the roads. You should also learn the ramifications of a DUI arrest no matter if it was your first instance or multiple subsequent ones in New Jersey.
Constituent Elements of a DUI in New Jersey
DUI in New Jersey stands for driving under the influence of either alcohol, drugs or both. The impairment is usually described in terms of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Legal BAC Limits:
- 0.08%: Basic restriction for the drivers, who are above 21 years of age.
- 0.04%: Persons performing a commercial activity in a commercial vehicle.
- 0.01%: No tolerance for persons charged with driving in areas under the influence of alcohol if they are below 21 years.
However, if your BAC is still below the legal limit you will not be charged with DUI if your driving is noticeably affected.
Penalties for DUI
New Jersey has stiff consequences on offenders charged with DUI incidents, and the consequences get worse depending on a subsequent or aggravating factor of involvement such as the use of a car in an accident or the BAC level.
First Offense:
- And then, their fines varied from $ 250 to $ 400.
- Probation for 3 months with loss of license.
- Jail time up to 30 days.
- Completion of the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center’s program for 12 to 48 hours if the refusal charge has not been dismissed.
- Possibility of an installation of an ignition interlock device for 6 months to 1 year.
Second Offense (within 10 years):
- Fines of $500 to $1,000.
- Prohibition of license for a period of 1 to 2 years.
- Jail time up to 90 days.
- Mandatory IDRC attendance.
- During license suspension, the individual must install an ignition interlock device and afterward for a period of 2-4 years.
Third or Subsequent Offense (within 10 years):
- $1,000 fine.
- I have been suspended from my driver’s license for 8 years.
- Jail time of up to 180 days.
- Mandatory community service.
- An examination of the long-term or maintenance ignition interlock device.
Additional Consequences
Aside from legal penalties, a DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences, such as:
- High car insurance rates.
- Problems in finding a job, in particular when it comes to finding a job that involves driving.
- It remains a part of your criminal record permanently.
Avoiding a DUI Charge
To stay safe and avoid DUI charges, consider the following tips:
- If you are to drink then make sure that you have an appointed sober driver.
- Take an organized car or a taxi for instance a Uber or Bolt.
- If you cannot drive safely, spend a night at a friend’s place.
- Avoid specific drugs that affect your driving skills.
Certainly the Role of a Lawyer
It is very important to seek the opinion of a competent DUI attorney if you are arrested for DUI in New Jersey. An attorney can:
- Overturn the events which lead to your arrest.
- Protest against the reliability of the breath alcohol tests.
- However, may plead for decreased charges or for the suspect to be placed in another form of punishment apart from a charge.
Conclusion
DUI laws are among the toughest in the United States of America in New Jersey because the state takes road safety very seriously. This is not a limited expense to mere fines and time spent in jail, as the conviction impacts your general life. To get rid of these penalties, one should always plan his or her movements to avoid occasions that result in driving under influence. If you are charged, do not waste time to hire your lawyer to ensure your legal defenses are met.
