The phone rang at 2AM. Maybe its somebody you care about that is sitting in a jail cell waiting for you. Or perhaps its you watching the cop put the cuffs on after you blew a .12 on the Alcotest. Either way, your life has been flipped upside-down — and you’re probably scouring Google right now trying to determine what comes next.
Here’s what you need to know about New Jersey DWI cases — they’re a little different than other states. Very different. And what you do in the next several days will mean more than you can ever imagine. We handle tough DWI cases throughout New Jersey, and we’ve seen what happens when people act based on bad information they got online at 3AM.
This is what we do. We want to walk you through exactly what you are facing.
The True Cost of a First-Time New Jersey DWI
Most people believe that a DWI costs you a few thousand dollars in fines and maybe loses you your license for a short while. Wrong. The actual cost of a first-time New Jersey DWI could be anywhere between $9,000 to $20,000 — and that is conservative.
Fines and Fees: $250 to $500 for a first-time offense (that’s the number everybody cites). But that is only the beginning.
Surcharge From The MVC: That’s the one that blindsides people. The Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey slaps you with a $1,000 surcharge annually for three years. That adds up to $3,000 in surcharges with absolutely nothing to do with the court — and that is entirely separate.
Insurance Increases: Your insurance company is going to discover this. Insurance rates will increase 300 percent or higher; that increase will stay for 3 to 5 years.
IDRC Program: Every single person convicted of DWI in New Jersey is required to participate in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program. That is at least $230 and the program is 12 to 48 hours depending upon the specifics.
Ignition Interlock Device: Most first-time offenders are now required to install an ignition interlock device. That is a $1,200 to $1,500 annual fee for installation, monthly fees, and calibration.
Attorney Fees: An experienced New Jersey DWI attorney is going to charge you somewhere between $2,500 to $10,000 — depending upon how difficult your case is and if it ultimately ends up in trial.
That is why fighting your case is important — even a partial victory can save you thousands. That is what we do — we look at every aspect of your case to achieve the best possible outcome.
What Options Do I Have After Being Arrested For DWI In New Jersey?
Option A: Fighting the Charges Completely
There are some cases that can be won. Period. The Draeger Alcotest 7110 — that is the breath testing machine used in New Jersey — has known flaws. Calibration issues. Problems with operator certification. Temperature variations inside the police department.
Option B: Minimizing the Damage
Occasionally the evidence against you is overwhelming. In those instances — our job is to minimize the consequences — get you into the interlock program as soon as possible so you can start driving again.
Option C: Plea Bargaining — Does NJ Allow Plea Bargaining For DWI Cases?
NJ does NOT allow plea bargaining for DWI charges. Unlike California — where a DWI can be reduced to “Wet Reckless” — in New Jersey, if you are charged with DWI — you either beat it completely — or you get convicted of DWI.
Choosing the Right NJ DWI Attorney
Not every attorney represents DWI cases in the same manner. Trial experience is vital in NJ DWI cases — your attorney must know how to win a trial — not just negotiate a deal.
When you are ready to explore your options — we are available 24/7 — risk-free consultation to assess your case.
Please contact us at (908) 643-7005 — or through our website.
Written By
Todd Spodek
Todd Spodek is the Managing Partner of Spodek Law Group P.C. He is a second-generation trial attorney who has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the country. He has represented clients in some of the highest-profile federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and beyond.
