Q: i got DWI yesterday in roselle nj. It's my first offense ever. I'm a tourist from London. What is the best I should do?

A: DWI Fines and Penalties in NJ Updated by Kenneth Vercammen Esq. Edison, NJ www.njlaws.com

A person who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above is considered to be driving under the influence. A person may also be found to be driving under the influence through officer observation or other evidence.

First Offense - BAC 0.08% but less than 0.10% or no reading

• 3 months driving privilege suspension

• $250-$400 fine

• 12-48 hours at intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC) • Maximum 30 days imprisonment

$230 IDRC fee

$100 to drunk driving fund

$100 to AERF

$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund

plus court costs

First Offense - BAC 0.10% or higher

• 7 months to 1 year driving privilege suspension • $300-$500 fine • 12-48 hours IDRC

• 30 days maximum imprisonment*

$230 IDRC fee

$100 to drunk driving fund

$100 to AERF

$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund

plus court costs

Car Interlock Machine: First Offense, DWI w/BAC level below 0.15% or no reading, Court may impose

• 6 months – 1-year installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges

First Offense, DUI w/BAC level 0.15% or above and 1st refusal convictions, Court shall impose

• installation of interlock device required during the term of suspension and

• 6 months - 1 year installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges

In addition to the court imposed fines and penalties, anyone convicted of DUI or chemical test refusal is subject to:

• an insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years ($3,000) for the first and second conviction within a three- year period.

Plus 9 points on your car insurance

Second Offense DWI

• 2 years driving privilege suspension • $500-$1,000 fine

• 30 days community service

• 12-48 hours IDRC

• 48 hours - 90 days imprisonment*

$280 IDRC* fee

$100 to drunk driving fund

$100 to AERF*

$1,000/year (for 3 years) surcharge

Installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges

$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund Plus 9 points on your car insurance

Third Offense

• 10 years driving privilege suspension

• $1,000 fine

• 90 days maximum community service

• 12-48 hours IDRC • 180 days imprisonment*

$280 IDRC* fee

$100 to drunk driving fund

$100 to AERF*

$1,500/year (for 3 years) surcharge

$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund Plus 9 points on your car insurance

Refusal of Breath Test:

First Offense

• 7 months to 1 year driving privilege suspension • $300-$500 fine • 12 hours minimum IDRC, plus most other penalties as first offense dwi

Second Offense

• 2 years driving privilege suspension •$500-$1,000fine •12hoursminimumIDRC , plus most other penalties as first offense DWI

Third and Subsequent Offenses

• 10 years driving privilege suspension

• $1,000 fine • 12 hours minimum IDRC , plus most other penalties as first offense dwi except no jail

DUI in School Zone or School Crossing