Aggravated DWI Charges in New Jersey
What Makes DWI Penalties more Severe in NJ?
In New Jersey, anyone who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08% is in violation of NJ DWI law and may be arrested for driving while intoxicated. For individuals under the age of 21, the legal limit is 0.01% because New Jersey has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the limit for intoxication is a BAC of 0.04%. Although any DWI charge can result in serious consequences, there are certain circumstances that lead to enhanced penalties for DWI in New Jersey, often referred to as aggravated DWI. In order to understand your specific charges and the consequences you face if convicted, it is important to speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI attorney. The seasoned DWI defense lawyers at The Tormey Law Firm, LLC know that only a shrewd understanding of the DUI laws and protocols can help you achieve a good outcome. With our experience and legal know-how, we will arm you with the knowledge and confidence you need to get through this process and beat your aggravated DWI charge. Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of aggravated DUI cases in courts throughout New Jersey and we are here to provide you with a thorough explanation of the various penalties applicable in your case, as well as to ensure you have the most aggressive defense. Contact us at (201)-556-1570 for a free consultation.
Reasons for Enhanced DWI Penalties in New Jersey
DWI cases in New Jersey are heard and decided in the local municipal court. The sentences for first offense, second offense, and third or subsequent DWI offenses are increasingly severe as the number of prior offenses increases, with one exception being for DUI convictions that occurred over ten years before the new charge. Your solution to avoid penalties for a DWI is to have your charges dismissed by raising a valid defense or have an attorney who knows how to handle plea negotiations for drunk driving charges. On the other hand, there are certain situations where a typical DWI charge is accompanied by additional penalties that can be devastating. These aggravating factors may lead to more severe consequences in your New Jersey DWI case:
- You were involved in a car accident while driving under the influence
- Someone was injured or killed
- You refused to provide a breath sample (in some cases, you may be charged with a DWI and a refusal offense)
- There was a minor in your vehicle during the DWI offense
- You committed another traffic offense such as reckless driving or speeding
- You were previously convicted of driving under the influence
- Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeded 0.15%
Experienced Aggravated DWI Defense Lawyers
If you have been arrested and charged with an aggravated DWI in New Jersey, the right attorney can truly make all the difference. Whether you are facing aggravated DWI charges for a first offense DWI, second offense, or a third or subsequent DUI charge in New Jersey, the attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm, LLC can help you. As a recognized New Jersey DWI lawyer, our founder Travis Tormey has extensive experience with even the most complicated DWI cases. With him at the helm, our legal team is ready to fight your DWI charge smartly and aggressively.
Whether you made a mistake and need help figuring out what to do next, or if you’ve been unfairly accused by an overzealous police officer, we will investigate every aspect of your DWI case so that we uncover any and all possibilities for beating your charges and helping you to avoid DWI penalties. As any good drunk driving defense lawyer knows, the police do not always follow correct procedure in the course of their duties. Because of this, many DUI charges can be thrown out by using an effective defense strategy. However, you need at attorney who understands the complexities of the law, knows correct police procedures, and can spot the mistakes in your case that could benefit you.
Here’s what one of our former clients had to say about how we handled their DWI charges:
“I want to thank The Tormey Law Firm for getting my DWI dismissed. Being at the wrong place at the wrong time could get you in serious trouble. As soon as I called Travis he gave assurance that I had a strong case. Travis and Chris worked together to request the right discovery before trial. I was nervous and stressed during the whole process. The Tormey Law Firm kept me calm and on my feet. As an advice to people who get involved with a DUI/DWI case, don’t believe all the stuff that is online. I read so many articles, blogs and stories from different people. I was making myself crazy. None of what I read was relevant to my case. Let the professionals take care of it. I appreciate everything you’ve done.” – Xavier
If you want to discuss your aggravated DWI offense or choose to enlist our firm to represent you, we will get started on your case immediately so that you can feel better about having someone in your corner. We will explain your rights, the entire process , and strategize with you. We will approach your case from every conceivable angle. We know that this is a stressful situation. By contacting us, you’ll be taking that crucial first step in fighting your DWI charge and getting on with your life.