New Jersey has some of the harshest penalties in the nation for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs. Even a first offense carries with it consequences which could affect your life and livelihood. But in certain circumstances, following a first conviction, there may be a way to preserve your driving privileges.
As a general rule, a DUI/DWI conviction will result in the loss of your driver’s license, the imposition of serious fines, the possible requirement to install an interlock device in your car and even the possibility of being sentenced to jail. The consequences of subsequent offenses are even more daunting -- involving longer periods of license suspension and higher fines -- and there is an increased potential for jail time. In addition to all of these consequences, you will also be facing increased car insurance costs.
You can be convicted based on certain blood alcohol readings or even without any readings if there are sufficient observations of impairment. Moreover, the refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test is a separate offense with which many motorists are confronted and the consequences of which may be as serious as the DWI itself.
Finally, in certain circumstances, such as an accident, the DWI could also trigger even more serious criminal offenses.
Cohn Lifland’s DWI/DUI defense team has the advantage of including several attorneys with prosecutorial experience and they will zealously protect your legal rights. Contact us today for a complimentary DWI consultation.
