A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is accompanied by a slew of harsh consequences. DUI is used interchangeably with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in New Jersey. A DUI refers to the crime of operating a motor vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol to the extent that it alters your ability to safely and coherently operate the vehicle. A conviction like this can have serious repercussions.
So how long does a DUI really stay on your record in the state of New Jersey? The answer is forever. After being convicted of a DUI there is nothing you can do that will remove the charge from your driving record. However, if you have a DUI conviction the positive news is that while it will remain on your driving record permanently, it will never appear on your criminal record.
If you require legal representation concerning a DUI charge, contact our competent Bergen County, New Jersey DUI lawyers.
Will a DUI/DWI Appear on My Criminal Record in New Jersey?
A DUI charge is not a criminal offense in New Jersey. NJ is one of the few states where a DUI is considered a traffic violation. Because DUIs in New Jersey are treated as traffic offenses and not crimes, they are never eligible for expungement. However, the benefit is that they will never appear on your criminal record or come up in a background check. Having a criminal record can negatively affect your ability to get a job or rent an apartment or house, so this is a good thing for people who have DUI charges in New Jersey.
What Are the Consequences of a DUI/DWI Conviction?
For a first-offense DUI, you can expect:
- A short-term license suspension
- To pay fines ranging from $250 to $400
- Jail time ranging from 12 hours to 30 days
- Mandatory time spent at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
- Mandatory use of an IID (ignition interlock device) for three months
- Insurance surcharges of $1,000 annually for three years
Second offenders will face harsher penalties including:
- License suspension of at least one year
- Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000
- Jail time of at least 48 hours and up to 90 days
- Mandatory evaluation and completion of a program at an IDRC
- 30 days of mandatory community service
- Mandatory use of an IID for 2 to 4 years after reinstatement of license
- Insurance surcharges of $1,000 annually for three years
Third-offense DUI charges can include:
- License suspension of 8 years
- Fines of $1,000
- Jail time of 180 days
- Mandatory evaluation and completion of a program at an IDRC
- 30 days of mandatory community service
- Mandatory use of an IID for 2 to 4 years after reinstatement of license
- Insurance surcharges of $1,500 annually for three years
Depending on the specifics of your case a court may be more lenient or more severe with your penalties. Contact an experienced attorney for guidance when it comes to DUI charges.
