Top Rated Multiple DUI Lawyer Atlantic County, NJ
New Jersey law enforcement officials are notoriously tough on drunk driving. Even one conviction will cause you to lose your driving privileges, face stiff fines and penalties and permanently mark your driving record. Repeat DUI/DWI convictions will require you to make some real long-term lifestyle changes; you may be facing jail time, driver’s license suspension and more.
As serious as New Jersey judges are when it comes to prosecuting defendants charged with driving while intoxicated, there are defenses a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense lawyer can bring forth on your behalf. Contact John W. Tumelty immediately for a free consultation about your charge. When your freedom is at stake, place your trust in a DWI defense lawyer who will fight your charges aggressively in Atlantic City, Brigantine, Margate, Longport and throughout South Jersey.
Severe Penalties Apply to Repeat DWI Offenders in Brigantine, Longport and Ventnor, NJ
New Jersey classifies drunk driving charges as traffic offenses as opposed to criminal defenses. However, that doesn’t mean the penalties for conviction are any less severe. If you are stopped and suspected of DWI/DUI by a police officer on any roadway in South Jersey – be it the Atlantic City Expressway, the NJ Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, etc. – you will likely be given a breath test (Breathalyzer) to test your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If you blow anything over .08 percent, you can be charged with driving while intoxicated. If your score was more than .10 percent or higher, the penalties increase substantially, even for a first time offense in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties.
First-Time DUI Consequences
For a first-time DUI, your BAC has a major impact on the consequences you could face. With any BAC, you could be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail and required to attend a 12- to 48-hour Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) course at your expense. You’ll be subjected to surcharges, assessments, and other fees.
If your BAC is below 0.10%, you could be fined $250 to $400, lose your license until you get an ignition interlock device installed, and be required to maintain an interlock device in your primary vehicle for three months.
With a mid-tier BAC between 0.10% and 0.15%, you can be fined $300 to $500, have your license suspended until an interlock device is installed, and be required to keep the device operational for seven months to one year.
For a BAC above 0.15%, you could be fined $300 to $500, lose your license for three months, and be required to have an interlock device active throughout license suspension and for 12 to 15 months after.
Second DUI Offense Penalties
For a second DUI offense, the stakes increase sharply regardless of your BAC. If you blow 0.08% or higher within 10 years of your first DWI conviction, you will face between two and 90 days in county lockup. In addition to jail time, you can be fined between $500 and $1,000, lose your license for one to two years, and be required to maintain an ignition interlock device for the duration of your license forfeiture plus two to four years.
You still face steep surcharges and mandatory participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program.
Penalties for a Third or Subsequent Offense of Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI) in New Jersey:
If you get stopped and charged with driving while intoxicated in Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, or anywhere else in New Jersey for the third time within 10 years, the penalties are even more severe. You’ll face six months in jail, thousands of dollars in financial costs, and a longer license suspension. A third or subsequent conviction for DUI is punishable by a $1,000 fine, an eight-year loss of driving privileges, and an interlock requirement for the full length of license suspension plus two to four years.
When your driver’s license, wallet, and freedom are on the line, don’t take chances with your legal representation. Hire the most knowledgeable, experienced lawyer you can find.
Why You Need Mr. Tumelty Fighting For Your Repeat DUI Charges
If you get convicted of a second or subsequent drunk driving charge in New Jersey, jail time is mandatory. However, a savvy criminal defense lawyer like John W. Tumelty can raise several defenses on your behalf. For example, he can attempt to prove that your prior convictions were faulty and therefore should not be counted as prior offenses.
Further, he will fully investigate the circumstances of your current charges. Did the police officer act appropriately? Were you read your rights? Was the Breathalyzer machine properly calibrated and was the officer who administered the breath test certified to do so? There are many questions to ask and answer and you can rest assured Mr. Tumelty will leave no stone unturned as he fights your charges.
Talk to a Skilled DUI Defense Lawyer in Atlantic City Today for Free
Mr. Tumelty is a former prosecutor who understands how the other side thinks and acts during DWI trials. He can put his first-hand knowledge to work for you as he crafts a sound legal defense strategy and fights tirelessly for your driving privileges and freedom.
Mr. Tumelty has three conveniently located offices in South Jersey: Atlantic City, Marmora and Somer’s Point. He will speak with you for free by phone or in person. He will come to you when necessary, as well. Contact Mr. Tumelty today to discuss your DWI charges.
