In New Jersey, the consequences of underage drinking and driving extend far beyond a simple warning. Young drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol face severe penalties that can significantly impact their future. These consequences are...
DUI/DWI
Are breathalyzers always accurate?
After an officer pulls you over for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), they may ask you to provide a breath sample for roadside testing. They will use a device called a breathalyzer to estimate blood alcohol content (BAC) from a breath sample....
Can you get a DWI in New Jersey when you aren’t even driving?
Most people know that driving while impaired (DWI) by alcohol is illegal, but did you know that you can actually be convicted of DWI just for sitting in your car while intoxicated? It sounds strange to a lot of people, but New Jersey law is somewhat vague about what...
What signs of drunk driving might police officers look for?
Police officers need to have reasonable suspicion to stop a car. They are not supposed to make random traffic stops and then look for something the driver was doing wrong after the fact. For instance, an officer couldn’t just pull over every car that comes down a...
Can you face DWI charges even with a low blood alcohol content?
It’s generally accepted across the United States that a person is legally drunk if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels are at least .08% or higher. This benchmark applies even in New Jersey, where the punishments for those convicted of DWI depend on how...
Driving intoxicated with a minor? A harsher DWI awaits
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey is a crime because a drunk driver is a major risk liability. An inebriated driver is a danger to themselves, other drivers, their passengers and pedestrians. Anyone convicted of DWI faces a fine of at least $250 and...
Underage drivers get worse DWI penalties
Drinking alcohol for the first time is a popular rite of passage to adulthood. This is understandable, as New Jersey’s laws prohibit minors from consuming alcoholic beverages until the age of 21. Underage drinkers can face severe penalties for breaking the law. But...
What happens if you don’t pay DUI surcharges?
If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in New Jersey, be prepared to pay a lot. You can expect to pay a fine between $200 and $1,000, depending on how high your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels are and how many earlier DUI convictions you’ve...
Do BAC levels matter in DWI charges?
When a police officer pulls over a driver suspected of driving while intoxicated (DWI), the officer will test the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) through a breathalyzer. If the driver’s breathalyzer results show that their BAC is 0.08% or higher,...
Is a New Jersey recovery court an option for you?
When you face a New Jersey drug charge, quite a lot hangs in the balance. Depending on the severity of the charge you are up against, you may wind up serving time in jail or prison, among other potential repercussions. However, if you meet certain eligibility terms,...