Have you been ticketed in NJ for driving while suspended for a DUI conviction? If so, you are facing very serious consequences!
Driving in New Jersey while your license (or NJ driving privileges, if you are licensed in another state) is suspended carries some serious consequences. However, if you are driving while under an active suspension for drunk driving, the penalties become "enhanced" and are assessed on top of those normally meted out for the offense.
Penalties for Driving While Suspended
The basic penalties are as follows:
- First Offense: $500 fine
- Second Offense: $750 fine and 0-5 days in jail
- Third or Subsequent Offense: $1,000 fine and 10 days in jail!
Each offense also carries a potential additional license suspension of up to 180 days and a $250/year surcharge for three years.
Penalties for Driving While Suspended for DUI
But if you are under an active suspension for a first offense DUI, and this is your first offense for driving while suspended, they add:
- 10 - 90 days in jail
- A fine of $500
- 1-2 year suspension of your driver’s license (tacked on to the end of your current DWI suspension)
So, all told, you face jail, a fine of $1,000, and a 1-2 year suspension, not just 180 days!
But It Could Get Worse!
However, if you are convicted a second time for driving while suspended on that first offense DUI suspension, or on a suspension for a second or subsequent DUI, it is also considered a fourth degree crime (New Jersey's version of a felony)!
How much worse? Well consider these penalties:
- Instead of 180 days in county jail, it could be 18 months in state prison!
- A fine of up to $10,000
- 1-2 year suspension of your driver’s license (tacked on to the end of your current DWI suspension)
And That's Just What the Judge Can Do to You!
The consequences of this charge go way beyond your sentence in court. You will:
- Lose your job (if you haven't already for the DUI)
- Have a criminal record that will follow you through life
- Potentially lose out on another job because of the criminal record
- Be saddled with a huge debt that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy!
Obviously, flouting your DWI license suspension is a really bad idea! Should you be convicted for DWI, it is best not to drive until your license is restored.
Don't Try to Handle This Yourself!
The consequences of this charge are just too great not to hire a lawyer! This isn't just a speeding ticket!
There may be defenses to your case that an attorney could raise that could allow you to:
- Keep your job
- Provide for yourself and your family
- Avoid a crushing debt that you can't get rid of
- Avoid a criminal record!
If you have been charged with driving while suspended while driving through Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem or Cumberland County, New Jersey, realize that you need a lawyer to represent you, and are ready to take action now, then call me immediately at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site to schedule a consultation in my Woodbury office to discuss your options and possible defenses.
If you are looking for more information on New Jersey's traffic laws, then download my free book, A Guide to Driving Legally in NJ, and Surviving Traffic Court If You Don't.
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