I understand that it would be very expensive to get over with a DUI charge. Having the services of a DUI lawyer and fees after conviction could be very costly. My wife has been charged for DUI here in New Jersey and the emotional and financial burden isn’t just on her part. If she will be convicted with DUI, what are the fines that are involved?

Franklin

Elizabeth, NJ

New Jersey Law considers DUI cases serious misdemeanors. Therefore, there are stiff penalties associated with the crime, both legally and financially. The services of a good DUI lawyer should be immediately sought.

First time DUI offenders face disciplinary charges that involve fines up to $500, a drunk driving enforcement fund surcharge of $100, court cost of $30, victims of crime compensation board penalties of $50, a safe neighborhood service fund surcharge of $75 and a physician’s fee of $25. For the first time offense, punitive charges are comparatively mild but are substantial spread over many fees.

The DUI offender is caught in a circle of penalties after being convicted. Consequences like fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, community service and counseling are part of daily living for the defendant for a long time. For example, in New Jersey and most states, insurance rates for convicted DUI drivers will increase 500 to 1000 percent above the premium paid before the conviction.

Financial burdens are also increased because most credit bureaus contain DUI convictions and hamper the ability to raise credit, as well as future prospects of employment.

My boyfriend was charged with DWI here in New Jersey. This is his first offense. I used to live in New York and my brother has been convicted there before with DWI and spent months in prison and paid $500 and penalty assessments. Are the penalties the same in each state? I need to know these things so that we know the consequences if my boyfriend will be convicted.

Eliza

Elizabeth, NJ

Driving While Intoxicated in the State of New Jersey means a bunch of penalties that include fees, charges and surcharges, imprisonment or mandatory counseling. There is no difference between DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI in New Jersey.

If this is his first DWI offense in New Jersey, expect a fine of $250 to $400, a jail time not exceeding 30 days and suspension of his license for three months. Moreover, there would be a New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission (NJMVC) surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years and payments of $200 to the DWI Enforcement Fund, $50 to the Violent Crimes Compensation Fund, $75 to the Safe Neighborhood Fund, and $200 for license restoration. He would also have to undergo counseling for 12 to 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) in which may cost $150, and extra payment if outpatient counseling is stipulated by the IDRC.

If he will be convicted with DWI, this would become a permanent part of his driving record in New Jersey. The premium could be higher for a person with a DWI tag since many insurance companies look into the driving history for three years.