DUI/DWI Defense

First Offense DUI/DWI Defense In New Jersey

A first-time DUI/DWI offense in New Jersey, even with a relatively low Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% to 0.09%, is far more serious than most people realize. Many first-time offenders are shocked to discover that the penalties are immediate and strict—ranging from a fine of $250 to $400, up to 30 days in jail, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, and mandatory participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). In addition to these legal consequences, drivers may face thousands of dollars in surcharges, insurance premium increases, and the long-term impact of having a criminal offense on their record. The emotional toll can be just as heavy—dealing with fear, embarrassment, and uncertainty about what comes next. However, being charged does not mean you are automatically convicted. Whether you made a one-time mistake or believe you were wrongfully accused due to faulty testing or improper procedure, there are legal defenses available. An experienced DUI attorney can help you challenge the validity of the stop or test, work to reduce your penalties, and in some cases, even help you avoid conviction altogether through alternative sentencing like community service or alcohol education programs. At Omojola Law, we understand the stress you’re under and are here to guide you through the legal process with clarity and compassion. Our goal is to protect your rights, limit the impact on your future, and help you move forward from this moment with confidence.
For more information about DUI penalties, refer to the official New Jersey DUI License Suspension Rules and Drunk Driving Facts provided by state authorities.

Third Offense DUI/DWI Defense In New Jersey

A third DUI/DWI offense in New Jersey is no longer viewed as just a serious lapse in judgment—it is classified as a grave and repeat violation of the law, often met with the harshest penalties available. By this stage, the court assumes a pattern of behavior and will likely treat the case with zero tolerance. A third DUI conviction within a 10-year period not only carries steep consequences but also significantly reduces your chances of leniency or alternative sentencing. The baseline penalty includes a mandatory $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, and a license suspension for eight years. Unlike a first or second offense, where some flexibility in sentencing might exist, a third DUI conviction removes most discretionary leniency from the court’s hands.

The jail sentence for a third offense is severe. Up to 90 days of the 180-day jail term may be required to be served in a state-approved inpatient drug or alcohol treatment facility, as designated by the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). While this can provide a rehabilitative path rather than straight incarceration, the time commitment, isolation, and disruption to your family, career, and daily life can be devastating. After serving the sentence, you will likely be required to continue substance abuse treatment or counseling, sometimes under court supervision, depending on the circumstances of your case and prior behavior.

In addition to the jail term and hefty fines, the court will impose a long-term ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. This means that even after your license is reinstated, you must install an IID on any vehicle you operate for two to four years, at your own cost. These devices are not only inconvenient but also come with monthly maintenance fees and potential embarrassment in both personal and professional settings.

Felony DUI/DWI Defense In New Jersey

A Felony DUI/DWI represents the most severe category of drunk driving offenses and is typically reserved for cases involving aggravating factors such as multiple prior DUI convictions, causing serious injury, endangering a child, or driving under the influence resulting in death. Unlike standard or misdemeanor DUI charges, a felony DUI carries with it long-term consequences that can dramatically affect every aspect of your life—your freedom, your finances, and your future. In New Jersey, these are classified as indictable offenses—the state’s equivalent of felonies—and are prosecuted in superior court. In other states, these charges fall under the straightforward felony classification but carry similarly life-altering outcomes.

The penalties for a felony DUI conviction are intense. You could be facing state prison time ranging from several years to over a decade, depending on the circumstances. The fines can soar into the tens of thousands of dollars, and courts will often mandate long-term alcohol treatment, community service, and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for many years—if you’re ever allowed to drive again. In many cases, your driver’s license will be revoked for multiple years or even permanently, which makes day-to-day life, employment, and caring for your family extremely difficult.

The impact of a felony DUI conviction reaches far beyond the courtroom. A permanent criminal record for a felony offense can severely limit your ability to find employment, especially in fields that require licensing, background checks, or driving. It can also make international travel impossible, affect your eligibility for government benefits, and cause serious complications when applying for housing or loans. In short, a felony DUI can derail your life in ways that go far beyond just legal punishment—it can follow you for decades.