With ride-sharing apps and public transport at one’s beck and call, DUIs should be avoidable. Mistakes happen, and many find themselves charged with DUI. About fifty DUIs occur daily in central New Jersey, with many repeat offenders and some being underage drivers. Most don’t realize how crucial it is to fight the charges since their future is on the line.
Without a skilled NJ DUI lawyer who knows New Jersey’s legal system, the driver loses his license, gets serious fines, and gets jail time, which may be disastrous. That is why quick action is needed to protect your rights and future.
New Jersey’s Traffic Regulations
New Jersey is serious about underage drinking and driving. In fact, it is one of the so-called “zero tolerance” states, meaning there will be severe consequences if any amount of alcohol shows up in an underage driver’s system.
New Jersey’s Zero Tolerance Law
Zero-tolerance law is the mainstay of New Jersey’s underage DUI policy. The law holds accountable drivers under 21 who can be convicted at a BAC as low as 0.01 per cent. In contrast, drivers over 21 are convicted only when a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08 per cent or higher is detected. Zero-tolerance aims to protect young drivers and the general public and emphasizes that alcohol and driving do not go together.
Penalties
Penalties for underage DUI in New Jersey are meant to be strict. They should encourage younger drivers not to take risks while driving. For instance, a minor driving a vehicle would have a BAC ranging from 0.01% to 0.08%. In such a case, a juvenile offender would be penalized with the following consequences:
- Suspension of license for 30 up to 90 days
- Community service
- $250 to $500 fine
- The possibility of jail time, particularly for repeat offenders
- Completion of an alcohol education course
If the BAC is at or above 0.08%, then the value of adult charges can be even more entrenching. State laws aim to enlighten young drivers about their responsibility whenever they are behind the wheel.
DUI as a Fourth-Degree Offense
In New Jersey, a DUI or DWI offense can be classified as a fourth-degree crime under certain circumstances. In this situation, the effects will worsen, and young motorists must understand how quickly a minor error becomes a serious legal issue.
If the BAC level is significantly higher than the threshold legal limit or if such a driver causes an accident, there may also be a fourth-degree offense. Some penalties can be the following:
- License suspended for one year – with no chance of early reinstatement
- Jail – up to 180 days
- Hefty fines and lawyer fees
- Long-term impact of a criminal record
Being convicted of a fourth-degree crime has serious consequences for the future of a young mind. Those convicted may have limited access to educational institutions; their capacity to gain employment is compromised, and their societal reputation is marred. Such is the reason why New Jersey remains very hard on underage DUI offenses.
Following such circumstances, it’s imperative to avoid going into this situation on your own. Find an NJ DUI lawyer who can provide a strong foundation to help you stand on.
Seeking Help from a New Jersey DUI Lawyer
The sobering charge of underage DUI in New Jersey can be intimidating, considering all the harsh penalties involved. At this stage, you need the services of a qualified DUI lawyer in New Jersey. When you or your child is charged with underage DUI, an experienced NJ DUI lawyer makes all the difference in navigating the legal machinery.
- An experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer is well aware of all the laws in the state and will be able to guide you on the seriousness of charges against you and the corresponding penalties you would face.
- He or she can assess your case, look for a legal defense, and try to reduce the punishment. However, in some cases, it might reduce the sentence, or instead of a jail term, it may even provide an alternative to community service or alcohol education programs.
- A lawyer can also guide you on the consequences of license suspension, including how one might regain a right to drive, such as allowing only transportation to work or school on a restricted license application.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, New Jersey laws on minor DUI cases and license suspension are stiff and designed as a deterrent to put emphasis on safe, responsible driving. In other words, the message reads: underage drinking and driving in New Jersey will not be tolerated, and those breaking this law will face full-blown consequences in the state. New Jersey takes underage DUI offenses seriously. Therefore, it is very important to seek the services of a seasoned lawyer to safeguard your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. So, do not let some bad choices flip your life around.
