Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI)

Of all traffic court issues in New Jersey, an arrest for DWI (also known as DUI or drunk driving) can have the greatest personal, professional and financial impact on your life. If you or a family member was stopped for DWI, you need an experienced and aggressive defense lawyer on your side. Contact me for help today.

There are some important things you should know about DWI law in New Jersey:

You do not have a right to refuse a Breathalyzer test; refusal can result in serious penalties
The police must continuously observe you for 20 minutes before administering the Breathalyzer
Weaving, crossing the fog line or lane separator can be enough probable cause for the police to pull you over on suspicion of DWI

Even a first offense DWI will cost you a minimum of $250 in fines, approximately $700 in other charges and fees and $1,000 in DMV surcharges a year for three years. The total cost of conviction: $3,950. And that does not factor in the cost of potential license suspension, rising insurance rates, or the affect on your personal and professional life, especially if you rely on a clean driving record to maintain a commercial driver's license (CDL) in order to do your job.

At the Law Offices of Steven J. Richardson in Woodbury, you will find an attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience who can help you fight the serious consequences of a DWI arrest and conviction. There are no plea bargains in DWI cases. You have to fight the charge or plead guilty. I will fight for you. Contact my office today to schedule a confidential consultation.

First Offense DWI Penalties
A. Blood alcohol content between .08 percent and .099 percent:
A fine of between $250 and $400
Incarceration ranging between 12 hours and 30 days
Three month driver's license suspension
Approximately $700 in other fees, charges and costs

B. Blood alcohol content of .10 percent or above:
A fine of between $300 and $500
Incarceration ranging between 12 hours and 30 days
Seven months to one year driver's license suspension
Possible six month to one year installation of an ignition interlock device
Approximately $700 in other fees, charges and costs

Second Offense DWI Penalties
A fine of between $500 and $1,000
Thirty days community service
Two days to three months in jail
Two year driver's license suspension
Either a one to three year installation of ignition interlock device or a two year revocation of vehicle registration, at the court's discretion

Third Offense DWI Penalties
A fine of $1,000
At least 180 days imprisonment
Ten year loss of license
Either $1,000 or $1,500 in DMV surcharges per year for three years, depending upon if the prior conviction occurred within the previous three years
Either a one to three year installation of ignition interlock device or a ten year vehicle registration revocation, at the court's discretion

Breath Test Refusal Penalties
Refusal to take a Breathalyzer test may also result in court-ordered attendance at the Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center (IDRC), where you must comply with all evaluation, screening and other program requirements and pay a substantial fee.

I make it a point to keep up on developing case law that may affect your defense. To discuss your case in detail, please call my Woodbury, New Jersey, office at 856-686-9910 or contact me now.

Blog for DUI/DWI

Avoiding a DUI Around the Holidays
Description: Increased drinking at the holidays always results in more DUIs. Find out from NJ DUI attorney Steve Richardson how easy it is to have too much holiday spirit!
Careful Review of Breathalyzer Results Important in New Jersey DUI Cases
Description: It is very important to hire an attorney for your New Jersey DUI case to review the Breathalyzer results. It could make all the difference in your case!

Library for DUI/DWI:

Refusing the Breathalyzer: How to Screw Up Your DUI / DWI Defense
Description: The worst thing to do when arrested for drunk driving in NJ is refuse to take the breathalyzer. Find out why from Gloucester County DUI lawyer Steve Richardson.
Where You Are Driving is Key in NJ DWI & Refusal Cases
Description: Does where you are driving affect the outcome of your DWI/DUI case? Woodbury NJ DWI/DUI attorney Steve Richardson answers in this article.
Weaving in the Road: Probable Cause for a DWI Stop
Description: Is weaving in the road probably cause for a DWI stop? Find out in this article by Woodbury NJ DUI attorney Steve Richardson.

View All

Frequent Questions for DUI/DWI:

Videos about DUI/DWI:

Can I Refuse to Take a NJ Breathalyzer?

New Jersey DUI Attorney Gives Tips on DUI Defense Strategy

New Jersey DUI Attorney Gives Tips on DUI Defense Strategy

The Law Office of Steven J. Richardson serves New Jersey, including: Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Salem, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties and surrounding New Jersey communities, including Woodbury, Colonial Manor, North Woodbury, Woodbury Heights, Deptford, Thorofare, Gloucester City, Washington Township, Blackwood, Brooklawn, Westville and Pitman.

Richardson Law Offices
40 Newton Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: (856) 686-9910
Fax: (856) 686-9911