New Jersey may be changing its penalties related to drunk driving, but as with many changes in the law that are not front page news this probably will not happen any time soon. Bill A3835 was introduced in February of 2013, but never made its way through the New Jersey Legislature. (LegiScan declared the bill died in committee.) One of the bills proposals was to mandate Ignition interlock devices for everyone convicted of a DUI. This is not a new idea, as a story from 2012 can be found on NJ.com’s website talking about these ideas, and a story from January of 2014, on CBS fleshes out the story and ideas behind the bill. This idea may be brought up again in legislation, as the idea is supported by many groups including MADD.
Those in New Jersey who have DUI charges are already facing numerous penalties. Visiting the State of New Jersey’s Motor Vehicles page, the current list of Penalties for First Time and repeat offenders is readily available.
Being convicted of a DUI in New Jersey is a serious offense, carrying heavy penalties currently they can include :
- Ignition interlock device
- Fines, fees and surcharges
- License suspension
- Jail time
- Community service
Currently an Ignition interlock device is not mandatory for first time offenders, however a judge can mandate the use of one if someone’s BAC exceeds .05%. This may replace the mandatory license suspension that even first time offenders receive.
For those that are facing DUI charges, the Law Office of Veer Patel can help. We stay abreast of changing laws and will make sure you obtain the best results possible for your circumstances. Please contact use with any questions regrading DUI’s.
