Understanding PA & NJ DWI & DUI Penalties
Every drunk driving case is different, and every driver faces different potential consequences depending on the facts of their case. In Moorestown, The Law Office of Stephen R. Piper, LLC we can help you understand the DUI or DWI penalties you face after your arrest, and help you take action to reduce the potential consequences.
Contact The Law Office of Stephen R. Piper, LLC
Defending clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we understand the DUI and DWI penalties in each state. Whether you are a Philadelphia driver or a Camden driver arrested in your home state or across state lines, we will help you understand what you can expect.
Pennsylvania DUI Penalties
The penalties for a DUI in Pennsylvania depend on the blood alcohol level and the number of previous convictions. Additionally, if you are under the age of 21, or if you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) you may be subject to different penalties.
Penalties for a First Offense
If your BAC is .08 to .099, you face six months probation, a $300 fine, attendance at traffic safety school, and potential drug and alcohol treatment.
If your BAC is .10 to .159, you face a 12 month license suspension, a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of six months jail time, a fine from $500 to $5,000, traffic safety school and potential drug and alcohol treatment.
If your BAC is .16 or above, you face a 12 month license suspension, a minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of six months jail time, a fine from $1,000 to $5,000, traffic safety school and potential drug and alcohol treatment.
Penalties for a Second Offense
If your BAC is .08 to .099, you face a 12 month license suspension, five days to six months jail time, a fine ranging from $300 to $2,500, traffic safety school and potential drug and alcohol treatment. You will also face one year of an ignition interlock.
If your BAC is .10 to .159, you face a 12 month license suspension, 30 days to six months jail time, a fine ranging from $750 to $5,000, traffic safety school and potential drug and alcohol treatment. You will also face one year of an ignition interlock.
If your BAC is .16 or above, you face an 18 month license suspension, 90 days to five years in prison, a fine ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, and potential drug and alcohol treatment. You will also face one year of an ignition interlock.
Penalties for a Third Offense
If your BAC is .08 to .099, you face a 12 month license suspension, 10 days to two years in prison, a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000, traffic safety school and potential drug and alcohol treatment. You will also face one year of an ignition interlock.
If your BAC is .10 to .159, you face an 18 month license suspension, 90 days to five years in prison, a fine ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, and potential drug and alcohol treatment. You will also face one year of an ignition interlock.
If your BAC is over .16, you face an 18 month license suspension, one to five years in prison, fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, and potential drug and alcohol treatment. You will also face one year of an ignition interlock.
New Jersey DWI Penalties
In New Jersey, DWI is treated differently than in most states. A defendant in a DWI does not have a right to a jury trial. Even though DWI is not treated as criminal violation, there are still major potential consequences, including jail time for repeat offenders. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in New Jersey, you face the following potential consequences:
Penalties for a First Offense
If your BAC is .08 to .099, you face a fine of $250 to $400, a three month license suspension, and between 12 and 48 hours of classes at the Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center (IDRC). It will cost $230 to attend these classes. Additionally, you face up to 30 days in jail. Additional fines include a $1000 surcharge on your driver's license for three years, $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund, $100 to the drunk driving fund, and $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund (AERF).
If your BAC is .10 or above, you face a fine of $300 to $500, a license suspension of seven to 12 months, and between 12 and 48 hours of classes at the Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center (IDRC). It will cost $230 to attend these classes. Additionally, you face up to 30 days in jail. Additional fines include a $1000 surcharge on your driver's license for three years, $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund, $100 to the drunk driving fund, and $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund (AERF).
Penalties for a Second Offense Within Ten Years
For a second offense, you face a fine ranging from $500 to $1000, a loss of your driver's license for two years, 48 hours to 90 days in jail, 30 days of community service and between 12 and 48 hours of classes at the Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center (IDRC). It will cost $280 to attend these classes. Additional fines include a $1000 surcharge on your driver's license for three years, $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund, $100 to the drunk driving fund, and $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund (AERF).
Penalties for a Third Offense Within Ten Years
For a third offense, you face a $1,000 fine, a loss of your driver's license for ten years, up to 180 days in jail, although up to 90 days of that time may be served as community service, and between 12 and 48 hours of classes at the Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center (IDRC). It will cost $280 to attend these classes. Additional fines include a $1500 surcharge on your driver's license for three years, $75 to the Neighborhood Services Fund, $100 to the drunk driving fund, and $100 to the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund (AERF).
Contact Us
The action you take today will go a long way in helping you lower the charges you face and minimize the potential consequences. Every detail of your arrest could be important and the right lawyer can make all the difference. We offer flexible scheduling and off-street parking, so contact us today for a initial consultation and we can answers your questions.


