Morris County DUI Lawyer

DUI Penalties in New Jersey

New Jersey imposes strict penalties on individuals convicted of driving under the influence, and the consequences increase in severity with each offense. Penalties can also vary depending on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest.

• First Offense:
  • BAC of 0.08% to 0.10%:
    • Fine of $250 to $400
    • Up to 30 days in jail
    • License forfeiture until ignition interlock device is installed
    • Ignition interlock device required for 3 months
    • Participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) for 12–48 hours
    • Additional fees and surcharges
  • BAC of 0.10% to 0.15%:
    • Fine of $300 to $500
    • License forfeiture until ignition interlock device is installed
    • Interlock device required for 7 to 12 months
  • BAC of 0.15% or higher:
    • Mandatory license suspension for 4 to 6 months
    • Interlock device required during suspension and for 9 to 15 months after
• Second Offense (within 10 years):
  • Fine of $500 to $1,000
  • Minimum 48 hours to 90 days in jail
  • License suspension for 1 to 2 years
  • Ignition interlock device required during suspension and for 2 to 4 years after restoration
  • 30 days of community service
  • Mandatory IDRC participation and additional penalties
• Third Offense (within 10 years of second offense):
  • Fine of $1,000
  • Mandatory 180 days in jail (up to 90 days may be served in an approved inpatient rehab program)
  • License suspension for 8 years
  • Ignition interlock device required during suspension and for 2 to 4 years after
  • IDRC participation, community service, and significant financial penalties

In addition to these penalties, a DUI conviction may lead to increased insurance premiums, loss of employment opportunities, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

DUI with a CDL in New Jersey

If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the consequences of a DUI charge in New Jersey are even more severe. CDL holders are held to a higher standard under the law, and the threshold for intoxication is significantly lower.

While the legal BAC limit for most drivers is 0.08%, CDL holders can be charged with DUI for operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of just 0.04% or higher.

• First Offense CDL DUI:
  • One-year suspension of your CDL (regardless of whether the DUI occurred in a personal or commercial vehicle)
  • Suspension of your basic driver’s license (if DUI occurred in a personal vehicle)
  • Fines, potential jail time, and mandatory participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
  • Ignition interlock device requirement upon license restoration
• Second Offense CDL DUI:
  • Lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL in New Jersey
  • Additional penalties under standard DUI laws

Losing your CDL means more than just a license suspension — for many, it’s a direct hit to your livelihood. If you’re facing a DUI as a commercial driver, you need immediate legal representation to protect your driving privileges and your career.

Underage DUIs in New Jersey

New Jersey enforces a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with a DUI for having a BAC of just 0.01% or higher, even if they are well below the legal limit for adult drivers. Some of the penalties you may face for an underage DUI in New Jersey are as follows:

• 30 to 90-day driver’s license suspension
• 15 to 30 days of mandatory community service
• Referral to an alcohol education and safety program at the IDRC
• Fines and court costs

In some cases, underage drivers may also face standard DUI charges if their BAC is 0.08% or higher — which carry significantly harsher penalties.

Beyond the legal consequences, an underage DUI conviction can impact college admissions, scholarships, and future employment opportunities. A strong legal defense is essential to protect your rights and your future.

Defenses Against DUI Charges in NJ

Every DUI case is unique, and a strong defense can make a significant difference in the outcome. At Macri Law Firm, we carefully examine the facts of your case to determine the most effective legal strategy. Common defenses against DUI charges in New Jersey include:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Questioning the accuracy or administration of field sobriety tests
• Disputing the reliability of breathalyzer or blood test results
• Arguing improper calibration or maintenance of testing devices
• Asserting violations of your constitutional rights during the arrest
• Presenting alternative explanations for observed behavior (e.g., medical conditions)

Contact a New Jersey DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in New Jersey, it is crucial to retain the services of a legal team you can trust. The criminal defense attorneys at Macri Law Firm understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and have the experience it takes to defend you. Contact a DUI defense lawyer from our firm today to schedule an initial consultation.