Since Wall Township has many major roads and highways passing through it, DWI offenses often occur. Last year alone, there were 500 DWI related charges were written in Wall Township alone. Along Route 138, which leads to Interstate 195, is a favorite location for the Wall Police to patrol. The Wall Police often have motorist pulled over for a number of traffic violations including speeding, failure to obey traffic signals as well as drunk driving. DWI, DUI, and refusal offenses are very serious and can have a long lasting effect. While not a criminal offense, DWI, DUI, and refusal penalties and fines are very substantial and you could be facing a permanent loss of your driver's license. A DWI or DUI is written when a person is caught operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, narcotic, or habit- forming drug and who has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reading of 0.08% or above. In Wall Township and in all of New Jersey, the police officer who has pulled you over must go through numerous steps to ensure he has accurately tested your BAC. This includes using the mandated, statewide Alcotest® 7110 breath testing device. If the officer accurately follows the mandated procedure, and your BAC reading is 0.08% or above, you will be charged with a DWI or DUI. Penalties for DWI and DUI offenses can vary depending on BAC level and number of previous offenses.

What Is A DUI / DWI in Wall Township N.J.S.A. 39:4-50

The terms DUI / DWI are used interchangeably, and the first association most individuals make with those terms are simply driving an automobile after drinking alcohol. However, there are a host of scenarios where someone could be considered impaired despite having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) below the legal limit of 0.08%. The terms Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are exactly the same charge in New Jersey. A DUI could also imply impairment from Illegal drugs, Prescription Medications and Over-The-Counter Medications as well. Despite the type of impairment, these substances can affect a person's processing skills, and hand-eye coordination which could affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Driving Under The Influence of Drugs In Wall Township

When alcohol is consumed in conjunction with other illegal substances, there is a synergistic effect when combined, creating significantly impaired cognitive and motor abilities, and the results can be tragic. This synergistic effect is importance to note, since in many cases, despite potentially having a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) below the legal limit of 0.08%, there may be significant impairment in a person's functioning due to combined affect from drugs.

Being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impact your life in ways you may not be aware of, more so than just showing up on a background check. Most notable is the impact it can have on your job, career and / or future employment, and thus finances and family, despite any potential loss of freedom from incarceration.

Other Things To Take Into Consideration During A Drunk Driving Arrest In Wall

The statute dealing with drunk driving, has many confounding variables which can impact the proceedings, such as whether the vehicle was operated in a school zone, whether you have a CDL license and operating a commercial vehicle, or whether you are 21 or younger for which there is zero tolerance. Another frequently overlooked matter is the fact that the classification of a motor vehicle is not only an automobile. NJ State Law also includes boats, planes, ATV's (All Terrain Vehicles), jet skis, snowmobiles and more obviously motorcycles as vehicles which are effected by DWI Laws. Despite the charges possibly being of a lesser degree if found to be operating an ATV for example; and the penalties, fines and potential jail time being of lighter punishment / sentencing; what is important to note is that any prior violation from operating any of these vehicles while impaired, can significantly impact the consequences and punishment along with degree of conviction one is facing if found guilty of driving an automobile while intoxicated as a second offense, especially if injury to another party and / or property has occurred.

First DWI Offense in Wall Township

BAC is 0.08% or higher but less than 0.10%

• Forfeiture of license for up to 3 Months
• Up to a $400.00 fine
• 12 to 48 hours of detainment as prescribed by IDRC
• Up to 30 days in jail
• Installation of Ignition Interlock Device (court discretion)
• Other fines and penalties

If BAC is 0.10% or higher but less than 0.15%

• Forfeiture of License from 7 months to 1 year
• Up to a $500.00 fine
• 12 to 48 hours of detainment as prescribed by IDRC
• Up to 30 days in jail
• Installation of Ignition Interlock Device (court discretion)
• Other fines and penalties

If BAC is 0.15% or higher

• Forfeiture of License from 7 months to 1 year
• Up to a $500.00 fine
• 12 to 48 hours of detainment as prescribed by IDRC
• Up to 30 days in jail
• Mandatory installation of Ignition Interlock Device
• Other fines and penalties

Second DWI Offense in Wall Township

• Loss of license for up to 2 years
• Fine of up to $1,000.00
• 30 days of community service
• Up to 90 days in jail
• Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
• Other fines and penalties

Third or Subsequent DWI Offense in Wall Township

• Loss of license for up to 10 years
• Imprisonment of no less than 180 days
• Fine of $1,000.00
• Mandatory installation of Ignition Interlock Device
• Other fines and penalties

If you have been charged with DWI, DUI, or refusal, contact the experienced New Jersey DWI lawyers from Villani & DeLuca at 732-800-7740 for a free initial consultation.