Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense in New Jersey.
If you find yourself facing a second DWI charge, the consequences grow in severity. That makes it important to understand potential outcomes and defenses that could help your situation.
Consequences
A second DWI offense carries more substantial penalties compared to a first offense. If convicted, you could face hefty fines, a longer suspension of your driver’s license and possibly mandatory jail time.
After a second DWI conviction, the court may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device measures your blood alcohol content before allowing you to start your car. If your BAC exceeds a certain limit, the vehicle will not start. This requirement can last for one to three years after you get your license back.
Possible defenses
DWIs account for 11.2% of arrests in New Jersey, and each one is unique. While it varies on the circumstances, some factors may help your situation. The arrest itself plays into that. If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to stop you or lacked probable cause for your arrest, it could weaken the prosecution’s case.
Field sobriety tests do not always work as seamlessly as people think. Various reasons could make them inaccurate. Additionally, breath test devices require proper calibration to provide accurate results. If you have doubts about the calibration of the device used in your case, it could cast doubt on the accuracy of the BAC reading.
A second DWI charge in New Jersey is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences, but you may have options to work toward a better outcome.