What to Expect from a First DUI in New Jersey

Do you know what to expect after a first DUI in New Jersey?

A First DUI in New Jersey Timeline

First, you will be arraigned within a few days for a DUI. It is at the arraignment where you are charged with the DUI. At your arraignment you are also assigned a court date, usually within three to four weeks after your arrest, where you go before a Municipal Court judge who may impose an Ignition Interlock as part of your sentencing.

At court you can expect the following typical first DUI penalties in New Jersey.

• Fines
• Imprisonment from 12 hours to 30 days
• Compulsory Intoxicated Driver Resource Center alcohol evaluations and education programs
• Three-month license suspension
  • If your BAC was above .10, your license suspension will last between seven months to one year

Keep in mind that if your DUI incident occurs in a school zone, penalties in NJ increase such as more fines and imprisonment time. If you are convicted on a DUI with a BAC of .15 or higher you will be required to install an Interlock Device in any vehicle you drive for six months to a year after the restoration of your license.

Hiring an NJ DUI Attorney

Prior to your arraignment, it may be a good idea to hire a NJ DUI attorney for guidance and legal representation. They also may suggest you install your Interlock Device, if applicable, to help you with your case and to make sure you can keep driving for work and to take care of your family. If so, Smart Start can help you get back on the road and fulfill your court or state requirements the quickest with convenient locations and fair pricing!

Receiving a DUI Conviction

Upon a conviction, the court sends your information to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which manages the license suspension portion of your DUI. You will face a suspension of your license that lasts no less than three months and possibly six to 12 months – depending on your arrest factors (minor in the car or refusal of test) and BAC level – before you can drive again legally, or to fulfill your court-ordered and MVC Ignition Interlock requirements.

Need an NJ Interlock Device?

If you need to install an Interlock Device because of your DUI conviction or at your attorney’s recommendation, you can schedule an installation appointment. All you need to do is call our 24/7/365 Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299, and we’ll help you!

When you arrive for your Interlock Device appointment, our technician will install your Interlock and provide you training. Our team will also provide you a Certificate of Interlock Installation form that you need to provide to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). This form is important because it will be your first step to restoring your driving privileges without the IID.

If you have any questions about the Interlock Device program, feel free to call Smart Start at (800) 831-3299. We’ll help you with next steps if you do need an Interlock Device.

Get Back on the Road with Smart Start

Smart Start is the ultimate New Jersey-approved Interlock Device provider! Schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.