If you have been convicted of one or more DWI, the penalties and punishments will be more severe if you are convicted of the current offense. It is important for repeat offenders to remember the 10 Year Rule, which means a DWI conviction that is ten years old or older does not count as a prior conviction for sentencing purposes. It is also important to understand that a DWI conviction in another state will count as a conviction in New Jersey during the sentencing process.
The law differs for repeat offenders. The following fines and penalties can be imposed for a second DWI offense:
- Receive a fine ranging from $500 to $1000
- Sentenced to 30 days of community service
- Attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) for 12 to 48 hours at the cost of $100
- Pay a $50 Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB) penalty,
- Pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Fund Assessment.
- A possible jail term up to 90 days
- Loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 2 years
- A required ignition interlock device for 1 to 3 years after the suspension
The following fines and penalties can be imposed for a third DWI offense:
- Receive a $1000 fine
- Attend an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) for 12 to 48 hours at the cost of $100
- Pay a $50 Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB) penalty,
- Pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Fund Assessment.
- A possible jail term up to 180 days (90 days can be served by performing community service)
- Loss of driving privileges in New Jersey for 10 years
- A required ignition interlock device for 1 to 3 years after the suspension
If you have one or more DWI convictions, it is best to contact a lawyer who practices in such cases to discuss your options. The lawyers at Castronovo & McKinney LLC have experience with helping repeat offenders and can help you navigate DWI trials.