New Jersey Penalties for DWI Convictions
The penalties in New Jersey for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs depends on a number of factors, including whether the violation was a first, second or third offense, whether the violation took place in a school zone, and what the state contends the driver's blood alcohol content was at the time of the stop.
In addition to considering each of those factors, the Court has a range of sentencing options that includes a loss of driving privileges, fines, community service, classes provided by an intoxicated driver resource center, and possible imprisonment. Insurance surcharges are also applied.
In more severe cases, the Prosecutor may seek charges that bring even greater consequences. A man was convicted last week in Superior Court in Morristown of aggravated manslaughter after he struck and killed two teenagers while driving under the influence. He faces 60 years in prison -- the maximum possible sentence.
Understanding how the circumstances of a case affects the range of penalties is essential when considering how to defend against a DWI charge.
