One of the biggest questions asked when a person is arrested is whether they should hire one of the Dwi Law Attorneys Plainfield NJ. These cases can have a lasting impact on a person’s life, including difficulty finding a job or a place to live since they will now have a criminal record. Once a person is arrested and charged with a DWI, they will want to learn what they can be facing and how a lawyer can help.
Penalties for a DWI Charge
Anytime a person is arrested for a DWI, they must pay $500 for a variety of fees automatically. When convicted, they face up to 30 days in jail, up to $500 in additional fines, a license suspension of up to one year, and the possibility of an IID (Interlock Ignition Device) being required. They can face stiffer penalties if it’s not their first DWI.
How DWI Charges are Counted
In New Jersey, DWI and DUI charges are counted as a prior conviction if the person was convicted within the past 10 years. This means if a person is arrested for a DWI in 2000 and again in 2012, they will be sentenced as if it’s a first-time conviction for the 2012 arrest. This is called a look-back period or a washout period. This means that even though they do have a prior conviction, they may not necessarily have more severe penalties because of the amount of time since the first conviction.
Taking the BAC Test
A person is required to take the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) test if they are under suspicion of a DUI. This is called an implied consent law, and a refusal could lead to penalties even if the person is not convicted of a DUI. If the person refuses to take the test on their first offense, they will receive an automatic seven-month license suspension and be required to pay fines. Visit website for more details.
There’s a lot that can be done about a DWI charge, but it’s important for a person to know what they’re facing before they start to look for help. Dwi Law Attorneys Plainfield NJ, can help with a first or subsequent conviction and can let the person know exactly what they’re facing if they’re convicted. The Dwi Law Attorneys Plainfield NJ, can also help them formulate a defense so they may not have to face the severe penalties from a conviction. Contact Harrell Smith & Williiams LLC in Plainfield NJ for more information.
