You were granted a New Jersey driver’s license in the first place because you were entrusted to navigate the state’s roads safely. So when you violate this trust and are caught behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this authorization may be temporarily stripped from you. And the more times you are caught driving while intoxicated (DWI), the less likely it may be that you may get this right reinstated. That said, continue reading to learn how long you might lose your driver’s license after a third-offense DWI and how an experienced Gloucester County DWI lawyer at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. can fight for you to obtain this right once more.
How long will I lose my driver’s license for a third-offense DWI in the state of New Jersey?
You must understand that the state of New Jersey takes repeated DWI offenses rather seriously. Therefore, if you are charged with a third-offense DWI, your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 10 years. Of note, this is greater than the one-year or two-year driver’s license suspension you may be sentenced to with a first-offense or second-offense DWI, respectively.
It is worth mentioning that, in some extenuating circumstances, you may lose your driver’s license for even longer. For example, if you were found guilty of a third-offense DWI in a school zone, your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 20 years. However, there may not be a statute for permanent suspension under New Jersey law.
In addition, you must understand that there is a difference between getting your driver’s license suspended and revoked. Suspended means that your driver’s license will be returned to you automatically once the enforced period concludes, while revoked means it will be returned after you submit to an investigation.
What are the other potential penalties associated with a third-offense DWI?
Your driver’s license being temporarily suspended or revoked may be the least of your worries at this time. This is to say that a slew of other serious criminal consequences may be thrown at you. Without further ado, below are some other potential penalties for a third or subsequent offense of a DWI in the state of New Jersey:
- Mandatory fine of up to $1,000.
- Mandatory incarceration for up to 180 days.
- Mandatory attendance at the New Jersey Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for 12 to 48 hours.
- Mandatory automobile insurance surcharges of up to $1,500 per year for three years, after your license is reinstated.
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for one to three years, after your license is reinstated.
There is far more to explain on this topic than this blog cannot even begin to cover. So for more information, please get in touch with one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. We look forward to collaborating with you.
