In the event that a court suspended your driver’s license after you were charged with a DWI, it is important to understand your legal options. Continue reading and reach out to a skilled and dedicated Gloucester County DWI lawyer to determine whether you can obtain a hardship or conditional license in New Jersey. Our legal team is on your side.
What Is a Conditional or Hardship License?
In many states, the option to receive a conditional or hardship license is possible following a drunk driving conviction. This is a restricted license that allows someone who has had their license suspended for a DUI/DWI to operate a vehicle under certain circumstances. Generally, someone who wants to seek a conditional license must prove that they need the ability to drive to go to school, work, or for medical purposes during their suspension period.
How Conditional Licences Typically Work in Other States
- If granted, a conditional driver’s license holder must obtain a special form of insurance
- The court will set strict parameters on when and where a driver can go when they hold a hardship license
Does New Jersey Offer Hardship or Conditional Licenses?
New Jersey does not offer conditional licenses for those who have been convicted of a DUI/DWI. As such, if your license has been suspended following a DUI, you cannot legally drive under any circumstances at any time until the suspension has been lifted.
What Happens When Your License Is Suspended for DWI in NJ?
There is a common misconception that a first offense DWI in New Jersey will result in a firm warning from an officer without charges. This is far from the truth. In reality, you can face the following penalties:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- License suspension of up to three months
- Hefty fines and surcharges
The penalties you can face will increase if you are charged with a DWI for the second time. As such, this can result in:
- A mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail, with the potential of up to 90 days
- Fines of up to $1,000
- A license suspension of up to 2 years
Common Reasons for a License Suspension in New Jersey
While DWI is generally the most common reason someone may have their license suspended, there are a number of reasons that can result in this penalty.
Reasons Your Privileges May Be Revoked:
- DUI/DWI Conviction
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing
- Traffic violations
- Accumulation of points on your license
- Mental/physical conditions affecting your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
- Failure to pay fines
- Failure to maintain minimum insurance coverage as required by law
- Abandoning your vehicle on the highway
What Are Your Options Instead of a Hardship License?
New Jersey does not offer hardship or conditional licenses, which is why you will need a skilled and adept criminal defense attorney on your side to work towards helping you reduce or dismiss your charge.
Build a Defense That Reduces or Prevents License Suspension
By working with an attorney, they can:
- File a motion to suppress evidence, meaning it cannot be presented at trial
- Challenge the reliability of the breathalyzer test on the grounds of calibration issues, defects, or officer error
- Question the legality of the traffic stop that led to your arrest
- Contest officer’s inference from the traffic stop
How An Attorney Can Help You Protect Your Driving Privileges
With the aid of a skilled legal professional in Gloucester County, you can feel more secure knowing that your privileges and future will be prioritized.
Your attorney can use the following procedures to help you fight your charges:
- Removing your statements regarding alcohol or drug use
- Challenge the results of toxicology tests
- Create reasonable doubt about the admissibility of any and all evidence
- Negotiate a reduction in your suspension
It is always worth fighting a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in order to avoid criminal consequences and the other negative outcomes related to this charge. Even a first-time DUI charge could generate a license suspension, a big fine, and a period of imprisonment. Contact our firm to get started on your case.
Contact an Experienced Gloucester Criminal Defense Firm
The dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. would be happy to provide you with assistance in your case and help you protect your future when so much is on the line. If you have been charged with a DWI in New Jersey and your license is at risk of suspension, contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can assess the specific circumstances surrounding your lawsuit.
