A DWI in New Jersey can result in you losing your license for anywhere between 3 months to 10 years depending on the number of DWI’s you’ve acquired. Nobody wants to be off the road for that long, and life without a car can be tough. Everyday necessary activities such as going to work or going grocery shopping becomes a hassle, maybe even impossible. As tempting as it may seem, though, you should never drive while your license is suspended.
The penalties for a DWI are severe enough, you don’t want to give yourself any extra fines and possible jail time. Consequences for driving while suspended (DWS) as a result of a DWI are far more severe than the consequences for doing so as a result of any other traffic violation. These penalties are harsh and become more damning with each subsequent offense.
The First Offense
Driving with a suspended license after a DWI conviction for the first time result in the following penalties.
- 10-90 days in jail
- An additional 1-2 years of license suspension
- Fines of up to $500
- $750 in surcharges
The Second and Subsequent Offenses
New Jersey treats the second and any subsequent DWS resulting from a DWI as a fourth degree crime. This means that if you’re convicted you’ll face both 18 months in prison without parole or probation alongside what can be over $10,000 worth of fines. Your license will then be suspended for an additional 1-2 years.
This violation is treated separately than a DWI. If you have been found driving while intoxicated and with a suspended license, you’ll face the penalties of both offenses, surmounting in thousands of dollars in fines, months in prison, and years without a license.
Forming a solid defense to avoid these penalties is extremely difficult, but not impossible. Your best bet is to not drive with a suspended license at all. If, however, you are charged with a DWI and/or a DWS, contact the seasoned attorneys at the Law Offices of Jef Henninger immediately. These offenses have life-ruining consequences. If you want to save your license, your money, and your freedom, contact us today. We work aggressively for our clients and don’t stop until we can ensure the best possible results.
The New Jersey DWI Lawyer 