The Recent Changes to DWI Laws in New Jersey

 

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that poses great dangers across the United States. Historically, policy makers attempted to combat DWI cases with suspending licenses as a form of punishment and ideal deterrent. However, license suspensions have not been entirely effective in deterring drivers from driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs and still allowing offenders to have transportation to their place of employment. New Jersey has recently approved reforms to their existing DWI laws by passing legislation S824 to reshape how DWI offenses are managed. S824 aims to utilize ignition interlock devices IID devices to analyze a driver’s breath for their blood alcohol level before their vehicle is able to start. To learn more about how S824 greatly impacts drivers facing DWI charges in New Jersey, review the information below:

 

The New Rules Applicable Under S824

 

The following new additions to the rules can be found in S824 and will come into effect on January 1, 2020:

 

  • First time offenders that have a blood alcohol level of 0.08 to 0.10 percent will be required to install an IID in their vehicle for three months.
  • Any first-time offender that has a blood alcohol level above 0.15 percent will have both their license suspended for a period of four to six months and have an IID installed during the time of suspension and after the suspension for nine to fifteen months.
  • An offender that has a blood alcohol level of 0.10 to 0.15 percent will be required to have an IID installed in their vehicle for at least seven to twelve months.
  • License suspensions will be substantially reduced from the required 45 days down to the period of time required to install in the IID device in the offender’s vehicle.
  • Increasing the requirement of a driver’s license suspension for a period of one year for failing to install an IID device to eighteen months.
  • Offenders who do not lease, own, or operate a vehicle will have to attest to this in court. Either way, their driver’s license will be suspended in the same period it would have taken to install an IID device had they possessed their own vehicle.

 

Focus on Criminal Defense and Domestic Violence

 

If you or a loved one has been involved in circumstances related to a DWI case in New Jersey, it is highly recommended to speak with an attorney in order to have the best possible outcome of your case. At the Bianchi Law Group, our firm primarily focuses on cases related to criminal defense and domestic violence. Both partners Robert Bianchi and David Bruno are former prosecutors who prosecuted a wide range of cases including criminal defense, domestic violence, and municipal hearings. The Bianchi Law Group is equipped with experienced Criminal Defense attorneys in New Jersey to help individuals looking for a New Jersey lawyer to help navigate the new complicated regulations while providing the best possible representation and legal outcome for our clients. 

 

Former Prosecutors and Trusted by the Media

 

The Bianchi Law Group partners Robert Bianchi and David Bruno are former prosecutors who have handled the investigations and prosecutions of crimes in New Jersey and are certified along with only 250 other attorneys as certified criminal trial attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court. Robert Bianchi and David Bruno have extensive experience related to Criminal Defense and Domestic Violence cases in New Jersey. Robert Bianchi and David Bruno regularly appear as national legal analysts to comment and debate all most major news networks such as: Fox News, CNN, HLN, MSNBC, Fox Business among others.

 

The Bianchi Law Group focuses on practice areas related to Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense, and Municipal Court matters. Contact us at 862-210-8570 to discuss potential legal implications of the new regulations in New Jersey pertaining to DWI cases or any other legal issues you have.