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Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in New Jersey results in several consequences designed to penalize the driver and discourage them from engaging in the same reckless behavior. The fines, jail time, and license suspension associated with a DUI can be life-altering, especially when it is a second or third offense. A repeat offender will face more severe penalties. Speak with a Mercer County repeat offender DUI lawyer to obtain professional legal counsel for your case.
What is the License Suspension for a Third DUI in NJ?
Losing your license is a common penalty associated with intoxicated driving. Having a license is a privilege, so behaving in dangerous and reckless behavior while on the roads can result in your driving privileges being revoked.
Depending on your blood alcohol content level, a first-offense DUI can result in a license suspension of 3 months to a year. A second offense within 10 years will result in a 2-year suspension, and a third offense means you will lose your license for 10 years. A decade is a long time to go without the ability to operate a car and can limit the jobs and activities you can participate in.
What Other Penalties Will I Face?
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious danger for anyone in the vehicle or on the road. Because of its capacity to injure and kill innocent people, if you are convicted of a DUI you will be given a slew of penalties.
You will generally be issued the following penalties for a third DUI offense within 10 years of your second offense.
- Loss of license for 10 years
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Imprisonment of up to 6 months
- 90-day mandatory community service
- 12 to 48 hours in an IDRC (Intoxicated Driver Resource Center)
- Mandatory use of an IID (ignition interlock device) for 1 to 3 years after license restoration
- $280 IDRC fee
- $100 fee to drunk driving fund
- $100 fee to the AERF (Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund)
- $1,500 annual surcharge for 3 years
- $75 fee to the Neighborhood Services Fund
As shown a third DUI conviction will cost several thousand dollars and could have a significant detrimental effect on your life. Without a license, you may be unable to maintain your job or obtain new employment. Additionally, certain professions require an applicant or employee to have no alcohol or driving-related charges. With the combination of potential imprisonment, loss of your license, and thousands of dollars in fees and associated costs, a third DUI could send you into debt and make it difficult to get back on your feet.
It is important to work with the best available attorneys to ensure you can create and execute an effective defensive strategy during your DUI case. Reach out to a skilled lawyer today for more information.
