Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have lasting consequences on various aspects of your life. If you have been convicted of a DUI in New Jersey, it’s important to understand how long this offense will remain on your record. In this blog post, we will discuss the specifics of how long a DUI stays on your record in the Garden State and its potential implications.
In New Jersey, a DUI conviction will remain on your driving record forever. However, a DUI in New Jersey will not appear on a criminal record, and while outcomes vary, understanding the percentage of DUI cases that get reduced can help set expectations. A DUI appearing on your record is a separate matter from its use to increase the severity of a future DUI conviction to a second, third, or subsequent offense. New Jersey’s DWI statute has a ten-year “step-down”.
If your second offense occurs more than 10 years after the first, the court must sentence it as a first offense; if your third offense occurs more than 10 years after the second, it must be sentenced as a second offense. The NJ Supreme Court has also held that the step-down can benefit a defendant more than once when each consecutive pair of convictions is separated by 10+ years, though certain administrative penalties can still be imposed at the higher tier, and collateral consequences related to DUI car insurance may still apply.
Working with a skilled New Jersey DUI lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options, whether you are concerned about the potential consequences of a DUI conviction or would like to be informed about the impact of subsequent convictions on your record. At The Kugel Law Firm, our top-rated team of New Jersey DUI attorneys works diligently to provide our clients with experienced legal counsel and representation. Call us today at (973) 854-0098 to schedule a free strategy consultation.
How to Order a Driver History Abstract
If you want to see exactly what is on your New Jersey record after a DUI, start with your Driver History Abstract. The standard abstract covers the past five years, but you can also request a “Certified Complete Driver History Abstract” that shows your full (lifetime) NJ driving history.
The fastest route is online. Go to NJ MVC Online Services and choose Request Your Driver History Abstract. Have your User ID, NJ driver license/ID, and a credit/debit card for the $15 fee. You may want a printer for the receipt. The fee is $15 per record. Follow the prompts and download or print the abstract when it is issued.
Prefer paper or need a certified copy for court? You can order by mail. Complete Form DO-21, include a photocopy of your NJ driver’s license or ID, and pay by separate check or money order for each request. Do not send cash. Mail it to the address on the form. Mailed requests typically take about three to four weeks to process.
You can also visit a full-service MVC agency and ask for a certified driver history abstract in person. Bring your identification and payment. This is handy if you need a certified copy for court. The fee is the same.
Ordering for someone else requires a permitted use under New Jersey’s Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act and completion of the permitted-use section on Form DO-21. If that applies, read the instructions on the form carefully before you submit.
A New Jersey DUI lawyer can review your abstract line by line, explain what each code means, and confirm the dates and points match your court paperwork. We can request a certified copy for your hearing, spot issues that may affect suspension length, and map out next steps to reduce damage from points or past violations. If you are unsure which option to use or need a certified copy quickly, we can walk you through the process and file the request the same day.
Implications of a DUI Conviction
Having a DUI conviction on your driving record can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the initial legal penalties. Here is what that can look like for you:
- Increased Insurance Premiums: A DUI conviction can lead to higher insurance premiums or even difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage. Insurance companies often view individuals with DUI convictions as high-risk drivers.
- Employment Opportunities: Many employers run background and driving record checks. A DUI can hurt your chances for roles that involve driving, using company vehicles, or jobs that call for a clean record.
- Professional Licenses: If you hold a professional license, such as a commercial driver’s license or a license in certain regulated industries, a DUI conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of your license, hindering your ability to work in your chosen field.
- Personal Reputation: A DUI conviction can impact your personal reputation and relationships. It may lead to embarrassment, strain personal relationships, and affect your standing within your community.
- Expungement and Record Sealing: In New Jersey, a DUI is not a crime, so expungement is not available. The conviction stays on your New Jersey driving history permanently. The time to fight the charge is during the arrest and court case. You cannot count on a future expungement to clear your name.
| Implication | Details |
|---|---|
| Increased Insurance Premiums | A DUI remains on your New Jersey driving record permanently and can significantly raise your insurance rates for several years. |
| Employment Opportunities | Even though a DUI is a traffic offense, it can still appear on background checks and affect job opportunities, especially those involving driving. |
| Professional Licenses | Licensing boards may suspend or revoke professional licenses after a DUI conviction, limiting your ability to work in regulated industries. |
| Personal Reputation | A DUI can negatively affect personal relationships and your reputation in the community. |
| Expungement and Record Sealing | DUI convictions in New Jersey cannot be expunged because they are motor vehicle offenses, not criminal offenses. |
New Jersey DUI lawyer – The Kugel Law Firm
Rachel Kugel
Rachel Kugel and the team at The Kugel Law Firm focus on one thing: defending good people charged with DUI/DWI involving alcohol or drugs. From your first call, you’ll find a steady, strategic advocate who treats your case and your future with the care it deserves.
Rachel stays on the cutting edge of New Jersey DWI defense, drawing on advanced training and peer-recognized experience. She is an active member of the National College of DWI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and she has been invited to speak on DWI defense tactics and the business of law by AVVO “Lawyernomics,” the New Jersey Bar Association, and Garden State CLE. The firm is AVVO-rated, and Rachel has been named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for three consecutive years, giving you the reassurance that when you choose The Kugel Law Firm, you’re choosing trusted, experienced representation.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance in NJ?
In New Jersey, the impact of a DUI on your car insurance can be long-lasting and significant. Generally, most insurance companies will evaluate your driving history from the past three to five years to determine your insurance premiums. During this period, any major violations, including DUIs, can lead to higher rates.
However, it’s important to note that some insurers may look back even further, especially for severe infractions such as a DUI. In some cases, a DUI can influence your insurance costs for up to 10 years. This extended period is due to the severity of the offense and the increased risk perceived by the insurer.
While the direct impact on your premium might decrease over time, a past DUI can also affect your eligibility for certain discounts. Many insurance providers offer reduced rates for drivers with clean records or good driving habits. A DUI in your history can disqualify you from these discounts, further prolonging the financial consequences.
Therefore, it’s crucial for drivers in New Jersey to understand how a DUI can affect their insurance rates and discount eligibility. It is advisable to consult a New Jersey DUI lawyer to help you stay informed and manage the repercussions on your insurance costs effectively.
A DUI conviction in New Jersey has both immediate and long-term consequences. Knowing the duration a DUI stays on your record is important because of the potential effects that can occur in different parts of your life. Remember, it is always best to make responsible choices and never drive under the influence to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
If you have been charged with a DUI in New Jersey, contact The Kugel Law Firm today at (973) 854-0098. Our team of New Jersey DUI lawyers has extensive experience in handling DUI cases and can help you navigate the legal processes involved. We can thoroughly investigate the evidence to construct a robust legal defense strategy in pursuit of the best outcome possible in your case. Don’t face your charges alone. Call us today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.
