New Jersey Drunk Driving Offenses and Driver Record Points
What You Need to Know About the Consequences of Driving Under the Influence in NJ
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If you are arrested for drunk driving, you need to know what you are facing and what you can do to protect your rights.
What are the legal limits for alcohol in NJ?
What are driver record points and how do they affect your license?
Driver record points are a system that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uses to track your driving history and identify unsafe drivers. You can get points for various traffic violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, or failing to yield. If you accumulate too many points, you may face additional penalties, such as a license suspension, a surcharge, or a driver improvement program.
Drunk driving is one of the most serious violations that can result in driver record points. If you are convicted of a DWI, you will get 9 points on your record. If you have 12 or more points on your record, your license will be suspended. You can reduce your points by completing a defensive driving course, a driver improvement program, or a probationary driver program. However, these courses will not remove the DWI conviction from your record, and you will still have to face the other penalties and consequences of your offense.
What are the Consequences of Points on Your Driving Record in New Jersey?
- You may have to pay a surcharge to the MVC if you have 6 or more points on your record within three years.
- Your insurance company may raise your premiums or cancel your policy if you have too many points on your record. The amount of the increase will depend on your insurance company’s policies and your driving history.
- You may have difficulty finding a new insurance company if your policy is canceled or non-renewed due to your points. You may have to apply for the New Jersey Personal Automobile Insurance Plan (NJPAIP), which is a high-risk pool that offers coverage to drivers who cannot obtain insurance elsewhere. However, the NJPAIP has higher rates and less coverage options than regular insurance companies.
- You may have trouble getting a job that requires driving if you have points on your record. Employers may check your driving record and reject you if they find that you have a history of unsafe driving or DWI convictions. This can limit your career opportunities and income potential.
How can you fight a drunk driving charge in NJ?
- Reviewing the circumstances of your arrest and the validity of the field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, or blood tests that were used to measure your BAC.
- Finding any errors or inconsistencies in the police report, the witness statements, or the prosecution’s arguments.
- Representing you in court and presenting a strong and persuasive case on your behalf.
- Exploring any possible defenses or mitigating factors that could reduce or dismiss your charges, such as medical conditions, faulty equipment, or improper procedures.
- Negotiating with the prosecutor for a plea bargain that could lower your fines, reduce your jail time, or shorten your license suspension.
Don't Let a Drunk Driving Charge Ruin Your Life
A drunk driving charge in NJ can have serious and lasting consequences for your driving privileges, your finances, and your freedom. You need to act quickly and decisively to protect your rights and fight your charges. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled and experienced DWI defense attorney who can help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
The Face of Justice
Daniel S. Kratka
Founder
Daniel S. Kratka
Founder
Daniel S. Kratka began his legal career as a criminal prosecutor, honing his skills as a formidable trial attorney. He handled hundreds of DUI cases. He used the skills he developed from trying dui cases as a prosecutor to defend clients in DUI cases throughout the State of New Jersey.
As his google reviews attest, he is a master criminal defense attorney, who assesses each case and client goals to formulate the best legal defense. He has established an impressive winning track rack record. Mr. Kratka is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been the attorney of record in many published legal decisions over the years. Mr. Kratka ‘s excellence was recently recognized when he was selected as a 2023 recipient of the Lawyers of Distinction Award.
Mr. Kratka practices throughout the state courts of New York and New Jersey and represents clients in federal courts throughout the country. He lectures on a variety of legal topics, is the president of his synagogue and is involved in many charitable organizations.
Mr. Kratka is a former All-City Basketball player, who still loves to play and coach.