New Jersey DUI & DWI Lawyer Fighting to Protect Your License & Driving Record

No. In New Jersey, DWI is a motor vehicle offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, not a criminal offense. Cases are heard in municipal court without a jury, and a conviction does not create a criminal record. However, the penalties are serious and can include jail time, license suspension, and an ignition interlock requirement. Related charges can be criminal, such as assault by auto, vehicular homicide, or driving while suspended for a second or subsequent DWI. Attorney Stephen Jones can explain exactly what you're facing.

Not necessarily. Under New Jersey's 2019 DWI law, most first offenders with a BAC below 0.15% keep their license but must install an ignition interlock device: for 3 months with a BAC of 0.08% to under 0.10%, or 7 months to 1 year with a BAC of 0.10% to under 0.15%. With a BAC of 0.15% or higher, your license is suspended for 4 to 6 months, followed by an interlock period. A second offense brings a 1 to 2 year suspension, and a third brings 8 years.

You can physically refuse, but under New Jersey's implied consent law, refusing a breath test after a lawful DWI arrest is a separate offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a. A refusal conviction carries its own penalties, including fines, an ignition interlock requirement, and Intoxicated Driver Resource Center classes, and you can be charged with both refusal and DWI. A refusal charge can still be challenged, for example on whether the officer properly read the standard statement or had probable cause for the arrest.

A DWI conviction stays on your New Jersey driving record permanently. However, New Jersey has a "step-down" rule: if 10 or more years pass between offenses, a second DWI is sentenced as a first offense, and a third is sentenced as a second. Insurance companies and employers who check driving records can still see the conviction, which is one reason to have every charge reviewed by an experienced DWI attorney.

No. Because DWI is a motor vehicle offense rather than a crime in New Jersey, it cannot be expunged. Expungement applies only to criminal records, and a DWI conviction is recorded on your driving abstract with the Motor Vehicle Commission instead. That makes fighting the charge, or getting it reduced, especially important, because a conviction cannot be erased later.

A skilled DUI and DWI lawyer reviews every detail of your arrest to find weaknesses in the state’s case. DUI Lawyer Stephen Jones examines the reason for the traffic stop, the accuracy of breath or field sobriety tests, and whether the officers followed proper procedure. Drawing on experience since 2006, he has the skills to use these details to challenge the evidence and pursue the best possible outcome for your drunk driving case.

It’s crucial to contact a driving while intoxicated lawyer as quickly as possible after your arrest, because the hours immediately afterward often shape the strength of your defense. DWI Attorney Stephen Jones answers calls and texts 24/7, so you can get honest guidance whenever you need it. Acting to protect your rights quickly gives your DWI defense attorney more time to collect and preserve evidence, question the traffic stop, and protect your driving privileges and your future.

New Jersey DUI/DWI penalties can include fines and surcharges, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center requirements, community service and possible jail time. The penalties depend on factors such as BAC and whether you have prior offenses.

A DUI defense attorney can review the evidence against you, identify potential defenses and work to minimize the consequences when the facts and law allow.

Stephen serves both English- and Spanish-speaking clients, enabling you to discuss your case in your primary language. As a dedicated DUI attorney and driving while intoxicated lawyer, he helps ensure quality defense is accessible by offering flexible payment plans, so a quality DUI defense is within reach..

Yes. Call or text Stephen Jones anytime for a free consultation. He'll provide an honest evaluation of your case, explain the charges and potential consequences in plain language, discuss your defense options and help you understand the next steps.