The Consequences of a DUI with a Child in the Car in New Jersey

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Child in the Car

Although it is an advantage that DUI or DWI charges in NJ do not fall under the category but instead a motor vehicle violation, it is still nonetheless serious. The consequences for even a first DUI have the potential to be life altering. The situation is even more dire if you have been charged with a second offense or a third or subsequent offense.

The risk exposure escalates even more dramatically if you are arrested for DWI while having a minor passenger in the vehicle. You face enhanced penalties that are extremely stiff and can also be charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, which is typically filed as a second degree crime that carries 5-10 years in prison. The point to be taken is that committing DWI or DUI with a minor in your vehicle is extremely serious and absolutely requires representation by an accomplished DUI lawyer.

What is a First Offense DUI in NJ?

The first offense DUI heavily relied on the state’s breathalyzer called the Alcotest machine, which measures your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) results. The legal BAC limit in New Jersey is 0.08%. The first offense DUI heavily relies on the state’s breathalyzer, called the Alcotest machine, which measures your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) results. The legal BAC limit in New Jersey is 0.08%. Furthermore, the severity of penalties and charges would be decided in two groups. First, if your BAC is between 0.08% and 0.09%, and second, if it goes beyond 10.0%.

Punishments and charges

Among the penalties that you may face are the loss of driving privileges for three months and the revocation of a driver’s license for a period that could range from seven to 12 months. Aside from that, offenders are also required to spend up to 30 days in county jail. Fines and penalties, on the other hand, could range from $250 to $500. In addition, an insurance surcharge of $1,000 for three years is imposed.

To ensure that offenders learned from their violations, the DUI law in New Jersey also required a 12-hour mandatory alcohol class at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC).

If the case is not properly handled, it could give you a harder time fighting for your side. Call an experienced DUI lawyer in NJ now.

What are the Consequences of a DUI Offense with a Child in the Car in NJ?

In addition to the strict state and county-imposed penalties and charges, DUI offenders may also face additional punishments when a child is found in the car who may be harmed.

When a child, age 17 or younger, is in the car during a DWI or DUI arrest, two types of charges might be filed. The first charge under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.16, disorderly individuals, is far less serious than a second-degree charge under 2C:24-4 (

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