Hackensack Multiple DWI Offense Lawyer

Fighting Clients’ DWIs in Bergen County

Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense in New Jersey, and multiple offenses could lead to even harsher consequences. The Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC, is here to help provide clients with the information and guidance to handle a repeat DWI offense. While a first offense could warrant significant jail time and fines, it is important to understand the impact on your life if you are charged with multiple DWIs after your first. Attorney Louis G. DeAngelis is fluent in New Jersey’s drunk driving laws and will take the time to sit down with each client to determine the best approach to their defense.

Call (201) 254-8484 or fill out this online form for a free consultation.

What are the Penalties for Multiple DWI Offenses?

The statutory limitations for DWI penalties depend on whether the offense is a first, second, or third offense. An incident that occurs more than 10 years after a first offense will be penalized as a first offense, and a third offense where none of the priors were within the last 10 years will be penalized as a second offense.

Following a first offense, penalties for a second offense could be a combination of the following:

• 48 hours to 90 days in jail;

• $500 to $1,000 in fines;

• completion of the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) Program;

• 2-year license revocation; and

• 30 days of community service.

For a third offense, the defendant could incur:

• 180 days in jail;

• $1,000 in fines;

• completion of the IDRC program;

• 10 years of license revocation; and

• up to 90 days of community service (counts towards jail term).

Note that a subsequent DWI offense within 1,000 feet of a school zone will warrant $1,000-$2,000 in fines for a second offense, 60 days of community service, 96 hours to 180 days in jail, and 4-year license revocation. For a third offense, individuals could face $2,000 in fines, 180 days in jail, and license revocation for 20 years.

Drivers can also face further penalties for multiple refusals to blood alcohol content (BAC) testing. Upon a second instance of test refusal, individuals could incur 2 years of license revocation and $500-$1,000 in fines. A third offense of test refusal could lead to a 10-year license revocation and $1,000 fine.

Also be aware that a second or subsequent offense also requires an IID for 1-3 years, where an IID tests one’s breath for the presence of alcohol and, if the BAC is detected above .05%, will prevent the vehicle from starting. The IID will stay installed for the entirety of the time that your license is suspended, and the drivers themselves are required to pay for this, so the longer it is installed, the more money it will cost you. Also note that the required insurance surcharge for subsequent offenses is increased from a first offense to $1,500 per year for 3 years.

Take Action with the Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC

With each additional DWI conviction, individuals will face severer consequences, such as increased fines, increased jail time, required alcohol treatment, required community service, and more. Further, these convictions may remain visible on your driving record for as long as you have a driver’s license. It is critical that you enlist the help of an experienced DWI attorney if you are facing multiple DWI charges. A good lawyer can help fight for reduced penalties and, if appropriate, argue down the severity of the offense based on the statute of limitations.

Contact the Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC by calling (201) 254-8484 or submitting an online form here. The firm will confidently handle your repeat DWI cases in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey.