Understanding the potential consequences of a DUI conviction is crucial for anyone facing such charges. One question many individuals have is whether their driver’s license will be suspended upon conviction for a DUI offense. Navigating through the legal intricacies of DUI cases requires guidance. Seeking professional guidance during this challenging time can make all the difference in safeguarding your driving privileges and securing a favorable outcome.
If you’re dealing with a DUI charge, it is crucial to seek assistance from a New Jersey DUI lawyer. At The Kugel Law Firm, our lawyers can provide the guidance you need to understand the distinctions between DUI and DWI in New Jersey. We can help you navigate the legal process, work towards minimizing the consequences, and safeguard your driving privileges. Contact us today at (973) 854-0098 for a consultation and take the first step towards protecting your rights and future.
What Happens to Your Driving Privileges If You Get a DUI in New Jersey?
If you’re facing a DUI charge, losing your driver’s license might be one of your greatest fears. After all, losing your license means losing access to your primary mode of transportation. A suspended driver’s license could dramatically affect your day-to-day life. How will you get to and from work? How will you take your kids to school or run errands? Will you get a conditional license?
Whether you lose your driver’s license also depends on whether this is your first, second, or third offense, with penalties increasing each time. You could face a suspension or a revocation.
- A suspension takes away your driving privileges for a period of time before you get them back. You may have to pay a fee when your suspension ends.
- A revocation voids your driving privileges altogether. You must re-apply for a driver’s license with your state’s DMV after the revocation period is over.
Facing a DUI charge on your own can be overwhelming. But a skilled New Jersey DUI lawyer can help you build the strongest possible case and maximize your chances of successfully beating the charges. If you’re facing a DUI now, you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
What Happens to Your New Jersey License With a DUI?
In some cases of DUI, New Jersey has the right to suspend or revoke your driver’s license.
However, recently in 2019, a new law came into effect eliminating driver’s license suspensions for first-time DUI offenders with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level below 0.15%. Instead of suspending driver’s licenses, New Jersey now requires these convicted first-time offenders to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their personal vehicles. An IID is essentially a breathalyzer that’s installed in your car.
This is a much less disruptive penalty than license suspension, especially for first-time offenders. But this more lenient law does not apply if your DUI involves drugs of any kind (prescribed or illegal). Suspension is still possible for second and third DUI convictions and those with a .15 BAC or above.
If you’re facing a second DUI conviction, your New Jersey driver’s license could be suspended for up to two years. For a third DUI conviction, the suspension is eight years.
This is why it’s important to fight back against a DUI conviction whenever possible, even if it’s your first. You may feel tempted to simply take the penalty and move on – but if you ever find yourself facing another DUI, the stakes will be much higher.
Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI?
Among the various consequences stemming from a DUI conviction, the forfeiture of your driver’s license potentially has the longest-lasting impact. Upon receiving a DWI conviction in New Jersey, an automatic suspension of your driver’s license is triggered for a specific duration that can depend on your record. This automatic suspension carries potential difficulties in commuting to work, school, and other essential destinations.
Navigating the intricacies of DUI cases and the immediate license suspension that follows can be daunting. At The Kugel Law Firm, our skilled New Jersey DUI lawyers can skillfully navigate the complexities of your case, striving to safeguard your driving privileges. We can work tirelessly to challenge evidence, explore alternatives, and advocate for the best possible outcome, ensuring you receive the guidance and representation you need during this challenging time. Contact us to learn more about how we can be of assistance.
How Long Do You Lose Your License for a DUI in New Jersey
If you’re facing a DWI charge in New Jersey, understanding the potential impact on your driving privileges is crucial. The duration of a license suspension after a DWI conviction varies based on the offense count.
- First DUI Offense: For those convicted of their first DUI, the suspension period ranges from three months to one year. The exact length of the suspension is influenced by your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest, along with other specific factors of the incident.
- Second DUI Offense: A second conviction for DUI results in a longer suspension period. In this case, you’ll lose your driving privileges for two years.
- Third or Subsequent DUI Offenses: A third DUI offense escalates the situation significantly, leading to a lengthy 10-year suspension of your driver’s license. Moreover, there’s a possibility of permanent license revocation, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case.
It’s important to note that the suspension is effective immediately upon conviction. Once the suspension period has concluded, to get back on the road, you must formally apply for license reinstatement and settle a reinstatement fee.
Driving is a privilege that can be seriously affected by DUI convictions in New Jersey. Being aware of the suspension timelines is essential for legal preparation and personal planning. If you’re dealing with a DWI, consider consulting with a legal professional who can guide you through the complex process and help minimize the impact on your life.
| DUI Conviction Level | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First Offense with BAC below 0.15% | Installation of Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in personal vehicle |
| Second Offense | License suspension for up to 2 years |
| Third Offense | License suspension for up to 8 years |
| All Offenses with BAC of 0.15% or above | License suspension possible |
What Happens If You Get Caught Driving With a Suspended License?
Driving with a suspended license can lead to varying consequences depending on the state in which the offense occurs. In New Jersey, those with prior DUI convictions may face severe penalties if caught driving with a suspended license. For example, a second DUI conviction may result in a suspension of up to two years, and a third DUI conviction may lead to an eight-year suspension of their New Jersey driver’s license.
New Jersey is a member of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC), a pact between 45 states aimed at sharing information about driving-related offenses, including DUI and DWI convictions. Therefore, even if the DUI conviction occurred in another state, your home state is likely to learn about it and enforce appropriate penalties, such as license suspension or revocation, fines, and completion of DUI education programs.
What Happens if You Get a DUI in a Different State?
As mentioned, New Jersey is a part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC). DUI convictions across state lines for states part of the IDLC are shared information across the state governments. If the DUI happened in a state that is also a member of the IDLC, your state would be informed about the details of your DUI charges.
The only states that do not belong to the IDLC are Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. But even some of these states have their own laws to alert a driver’s “home” state about their DUI conviction.
So even if you get convicted of a DUI in another state, that could still threaten your New Jersey driver’s license. In fact, you could face penalties from both states – the state where you got your DUI conviction and the state that issued your driver’s license.
A DUI conviction can carry consequences even across state lines, for years to come. New Jersey also has even greater penalties for DUI charges that involve drugs, whether they’re over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal drugs. This is becoming a greater issue as cannabis has become legalized in the state.
At The Kugel Law Firm, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to help. Schedule a no-risk case consultation with our leading DUI/DWI attorneys now. Contact us today at (973) 854-0098 to schedule a consultation.
