Do you have a driving under the influence conviction on your record? If you do, you know you need to tread lightly. One DUI is a serious thing; more than one is even more so.
What may happen to New Jersey residents convicted of multiple DUI offenses? Is there any way to fight a DUI charge if one has a history of committing such crimes? The answers to these questions might surprise you.
If you are facing DUI charges for a 2nd offense…
If prosecuting attorneys can achieve a conviction, you could face a number of penalties. You’ll likely have to pay a fine of no more than $1000. You’ll probably spend time behind bars — at least 48 hours but it could be up to 90 days. Other penalties include:
- License suspension — two years
- Community service — 30 days
- Ignition interlock device — up to three years
- Insurance surcharge — $1000 for three years
All of these consequences are enough to interrupt your life, making meeting family and work obligations quite difficult.
If you are facing DUI charges for a 3rd offense…
If convicted again, you’ll likely have to pay a fine of at least $1000. You may also spend a minimum of 180 days behind bars. On top of that, other consequences might include:
- License suspension — 10 years
- Community service — 30 days
- Insurance surcharge — $1500 for three years
- Ignition interlock device — installed for up to three years
The court may also order detainment in a treatment program. The court determines the length of time you have to remain in such a facility.
Enhanced penalties
The above penalties only cover DUI offenses that do not involve injury or death or that do not take place in a school zone or crossing. If any of these apply to your case, you may face enhanced penalties, which generally include more time behind bars, higher fines and license revocation — among other things.
Defend yourself
If you already have one DUI on your record, how you defend yourself for any subsequent offenses is important. Prosecuting attorneys will try to use your history against you. By keeping the focus on the charge at hand and addressing and questioning the evidence of your current case, you may be able to seek a case dismissal or, at least, minimize the consequences associated with a conviction.
