What You Should Know

In New Jersey, traffic offenses are dealt with in the municipal court of the town or city where the alleged violation of the traffic code occurred. Driving While Intoxicated, also known as Driving Under the Influence (DWI and DUI) is also dealt with as a traffic offense in the municipal court. Many people mistakenly believe that DWI in New Jersey is considered a crime because the penalties are so tough.

Moving violations such as speeding, driving while suspended, reckless driving, and careless driving can have both immediate and long-lasting effects, including points against your New Jersey driving history, driver’s license suspension or revocation, significant monetary fines and penalties, and a serious increase in the amount you pay for car insurance. In some cases, jail time is also a very real possibility. Many people incorrectly assume that simply paying a ticket when they have the option to do so is the best choice, when it may in reality be a very bad decision for them.

A person can be charged with DWI for being under the influence of many different types of substances while driving. Most common are cases involving alcohol/drinking and driving, but DWI and DUI arrests are on the rise for people suspected of being under the influence of drugs such as marijuana or pills (controlled dangerous substances, or CDS). The penalties for DWI are definitely steep – for a first offense, the person charged faces the loss of New Jersey driving privileges for 7 months to a year, thousands of dollars in fines and surcharges, mandatory participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, possible community service, and other consequences. The penalties increase drastically for second and third offenses. It is important not to feel hopeless and assume that there is nothing you can do. Even if you are charged with a second, third, or subsequent DWI, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Kelli M. Martone will conduct a thorough investigation into how to get you the best result possible.