Mt. Holly, NJ DWI Defense Lawyer

DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated (also sometimes referred to as DUI, or Driving Under the Influence), is one of the most common charges in New Jersey.  According to the Century Council, there were over 26,200 arrests made in New Jersey for DWI in 2011 alone.  But while DWI may be a very common crime, that doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly.

The penalties for a New Jersey DWI can be severe, including prison time, heavy fines, and a temporary or even permanent loss of a license and the privilege to operate a motor vehicle.  Drivers convicted of DWI may also be forced to attend drug or alcohol counseling courses, install an ignition interlock device in their car, and complete lengthy terms of community service.

Additionally, having a criminal record of DWI in New Jersey can lead to future challenges in obtaining certain types of employment, such as those which require employees to drive or operate other heavy machinery.  Having a criminal record, period, can present a considerable obstacle to obtaining any type of employment, even where vehicles and transportation don’t necessarily come into play.  With a criminal record, you could even be barred from living in certain properties or communities.

If you or a loved one is facing allegations of a DWI offense in Mt. Holly, it is critical that you contact the Mt. Holly DWI defense attorneys at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates as soon as you can.  In the event of a conviction, you could be facing harsh short- and long-term consequences.  Don’t wait until it’s too late: call our law offices at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania.

Getting a DWI in New Jersey

DWI is determined by the amount of alcohol detected in a driver’s bloodstream, or the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). BAC is typically measured by a breathalyzer device, though chemical testing can also be used to procure a BAC reading.  In New Jersey, the legal threshold for BAC is 0.08%.  While a driver may feel sober enough to drive, if their BAC meets or exceeds 0.08%, they are committing a DWI.

If you are facing charges of DWI, you need a team of dedicated and compassionate Mt. Holly DWI defense attorneys on your side in court.  The attorneys at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates have over 30 years of DWI defense experience, and have defended over 10,000 criminal cases.

Our team of attorneys includes two former prosecutors, meaning not only do we know how to defend your DWI case, but how to effectively anticipate and counter prosecuting arguments before we even enter the courtroom.  Additionally, thanks to our localized approach and our many years serving local communities throughout the state, we have built up strong working relationships with judges, jurors, and police departments across Mt. Holly and greater New Jersey.

DWI Penalties in New Jersey

The penalties for a DWI conviction in New Jersey can have a far-reaching negative impact on future employability, driving privileges, and even your good name.  Even a first-time DWI offense can be costly and damaging, and as offenses repeat, the penalties become increasingly harsh.

First Offense DWI

The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General provides a list of guidelines for determining and penalizing DWI offenses in Mt. Holly and beyond. For a first offense DWI, the penalties include:

• Fine: $250-$400
• Sentence: up to 30 days
• License Suspension: 3 months

Second Offense DWI

• Fine: $500-$1,000
• Sentence: up to 90 days
• License Suspension: 2 years

Third Offense DWI

• Fine: $1,000
• Sentence: 180 days
• License Suspension: 10 years

In addition to the damaging fines, incarceration periods, and license losses resulting from DWI, convicted drivers must also attend Intoxicated Driver Resource Center courses, pay increased insurance rates, and install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles.  Ignition interlock devices are wired to vehicle’s engine ignition system.  They require drivers to blow air into them to determine a BAC, and if that BAC exceeds 0.05%, the vehicle will not start.

Our Mt. Holly DWI Defense Attorneys Can Help

A DWI conviction in Mt. Holly can lead to serious short term and long-term consequences. Don’t delay: call the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania, or contact us online to speak with an attorney.  You can feel confident that our legal consultations are always 100% confidential, and your first consultation is free.  Start exploring your legal options with Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates today.