A DWI or DUI charge should be taken seriously. If convicted, you may have to spend time in jail, pay large fines, lose your license, and carry the incident with you for the rest of your life. However, with strong legal representation, you can reduce your chances of facing major consequences.
Call Joseph Lombardo today if you or someone close to you is facing DWI or DUI charges. Gloucester County DUI/DWI defense lawyer Joseph Lombardo is dedicated to representing clients so that they can focus on moving forward with their futures. Don’t waste any time; get in touch with the Lombardo Law Group, LLC, to schedule a free and private legal consultation today by calling (609) 445-4300.
Understanding Gloucester County DWI/DUI Charges
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are terms for different offenses that are used interchangeably since they are listed under the same statute. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges are made against drivers who are intoxicated by drugs such as marijuana, heroin, or cocaine. Driving under the influence charges are made against drivers who are drunk while driving. It is illegal for drivers over the age of 21 to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) that is above 0.08% in New Jersey. The legal limit for drivers who are under the age of 21 is 0.01%.
To determine whether someone is driving drunk, a police officer will administer a breathalyzer test to determine the person’s blood alcohol content; in some cases, a blood or urine test will be administered. Gloucester County drivers should note that refusing to take a breathalyzer test can result in penalties that are just as severe as those associated with a DUI charge; drivers who refuse a breathalyzer may lose their license for up to seven months or have to pay a fine that is between $300 and $500.
Penalties for DWI/DUI Offenses in Gloucester County, NJ
The penalties for a first DWI/DUI offense in Gloucester County, NJ depend on the tier that the driver falls into; tiers are determined based on the driver’s blood alcohol content. A Tier I offense is for drivers that had a BAC of between 0.08% and 0.10% at the time of their arrest, while Tier II is for drivers with a BAC of between 0.10% and 0.14%, and a Tier III offense is for drivers with a BAC above 0.14%.
First Offense DWI/DUI Penalties
The penalties for a Tier I first offense include:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- A suspended license until an ignition interlock device is installed
- Participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Program
- $250 – $400 fine, as well as other fees
The penalties for a Tier II first offense include:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- A suspended license until an ignition interlock device is installed
- Participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Program
- $300 – $500 fine, as well as other fees
The penalties for a Tier III first offense include:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Between 4 and 6 months with a suspended license
- Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device
- Participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Program
- $300 – $500 fine, as well as other fees
Second + Multiple Offense DWI/DUI Penalties
A second DWI/DUI offense carries slightly more severe penalties in Gloucester County, NJ. Drivers should note that if they go ten years without an incident following their first DWI/DUI offense, a second DWI/DUI offense will be treated as their first. The penalties that come with a second offense include up to two years of license suspension, up to four years with a mandatory ignition interlock device, up to 90 days in jail, participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Program, a fine of between $500 and $1,000, and 30 days of community service.
A third DWI/DUI offense in Gloucester County could mean a license suspension of up to eight years, mandatory use of an ignition interlock device, up to 180 days of jail time, participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Program, a $1,000 fine, and 90 days of community service.
Driving with a child in the car, driving with a suspended license from a previous offense, or driving with an open container in the car can exacerbate the penalties a driver might receive. DWI and DUI charges will never leave a record and cannot be expunged.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Gloucester County DWI/DUI Lawyer Joseph Lombardo
The most helpful thing that a DUI/DWI defense lawyer can do for you is to challenge the evidence used against you. For instance, a lawyer can check whether the breathalyzer test you took was valid and administered by a police officer who was trained to do so. Lawyers can also question the validity of a field sobriety test if you took one and ensure that police followed all appropriate protocols during the stop and arrest that led to your charge. With the help of a DUI/DWI defense lawyer, you can have the charges against you either reduced or dismissed entirely.
You need experienced legal representation as you face your DWI/DUI charges. Gloucester DUI/DWI defense lawyer Joseph Lombardo is ready to provide clients with the aggressive representation they need. During a free and confidential consultation, you can discuss your options for either reducing the penalties you’ll face for your DWI/DUI or having the charges dropped altogether. Set up your free consultation with Lombardo Law Group, LLC, today by calling (609) 445-4300.
