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Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious charge and should not be taken lightly. A DUI lawyer who handles these cases knows where to start and what to look for. No one should be pleading guilty to a DUI without first knowing that every stone was turned. 

The only scientific way to determine whether or not a driver is under the influence of alcohol is through blood alcohol concentration (BAC).  The police will administer a breath test known as the Alcotest to determine a person’s BAC level.  In New Jersey, an adult with a BAC level of 0.08% or more who is caught operating a motor vehicle or a boat is considered to be driving under the influence.  Similarly, a BAC level of 0.01% or more applies for an underage (21) driver caught operating a motor vehicle or boat.

What Are The Fines And Penalties Of A First Offense DUI?

If BAC is greater than 0.08% but less than 0.10%:

  • Fine $250-400
  • Jail up to 30 days
  • Driver’s license forfeiture until ignition interlock device installed
  • Ignition interlock required for 3 months
  • Minimum 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days of alcohol classes at IDRC
  • Auto insurance surcharge of $1,000 for 3 years
  • $100 surcharge to Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund
  • $100 restoration fee due to Motor Vehicle Commission
  • $100 program fee to IDRC
  • $50 Violent Crimes Compensation Fund
  • $75 Safe and Secure Community Program fee

If BAC is 0.10% or higher:

  • Fine $300-500
  • Jail up to 30 days
  • Driver’s license forfeiture until ignition interlock device installed
  • Ignition Interlock required for 7 months – 1 year
  • Minimum 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days of alcohol classes at IDRC
  • Auto insurance surcharge of $1,000 for 3 years
  • $100 surcharge to Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund
  • $100 restoration fee due to Motor Vehicle Commission
  • $100 program fee to IDRC
  • $50 Violent Crimes Compensation Fund
  • $75 Safe and Secure Community Program fee

If BAC is 0.15% or higher:

  • Must install ignition interlock on one vehicle you principally operate during license suspension period of 4-6 months and for a period of 9-15 months after your driver’s license is restored

Long Term Effects of DUI

Being found guilty of a DUI has lasting affects that continue for 3 years after the conviction. Your decision to drive was quick. Sometimes even the stop and testing by the police are quick. However, even after concluding your period of license suspension, you are still paying the Motor Vehicle Commission a surcharge of $1000 for three years. If you do not pay the surcharge or are unable to pay it, the Motor Vehicle Commission can suspend your driver’s license indefinitely until it is paid. If that is not bad enough, Motor Vehicles can then ask the Superior Court for a lien against your property to pay the surcharges and even garnish your wages. 

We handle DUI charges in Mercer County, Middlesex County, and Burlington County. 

Mercer County: Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, Pennington, East Windsor, West Windsor, Hopewell, Princeton Township, Princeton Borough, Hightstown, and Robbinsville.

Middlesex County: Plainsboro, Cranbury, East Brunswick, South Brunswick, and Sayreville.

Burlington County: Bordentown, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Willingboro, Mt. Holly, Florence, and Pemberton.

"Kristy Bruce is an outstanding, responsive, and proactive attorney. I highly recommend her services. If you need the services of an attorney, you will be happy that you retained Kristy."

- Gene W.

"Mrs. Kristy Bruce, esq., is an amazing attorney! She deserves many promotions and clients! She has a heart for the people and get's the toughest jobs done. Choose her; you won't have any regret's that you did. From start to finish concerning your case, she will value you individually. God bless you, Kristy Bruce, and your team."

- Jessica