One traffic infringement can have a big impact on how you live your life, especially if you have to pay a big fine. You can serve time in a county jail or have your license suspended if a traffic stop results in criminal charges, such as suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Penalties for conviction are harsh if you are classified as a repeat offender by a New Jersey court. To get help, contact an Evesham DWI Defense Attorney.
You will almost certainly be charged with DWI in court if you take a chemical test and your blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit for car operating. This can also be the situation if a police officer thinks you appeared inebriated during a traffic encounter. If this is not your first time in a situation like this, there will likely be a lot on the line, possibly even your freedom.
Devices That Lock the Ignition
You might have to have an interlock ignition system installed in your car as one of the consequences for repeating a DWI offense. This prevents you from starting your car until the breathalyzer shows you are sober. Even traveling, you might need to repeat the test several times. Installing an interlock system may be mandated by the court at its discretion.
This is a typical practice among judges, particularly if you have had a DWI conviction within the previous ten years of your most recent arrest. Additionally, if a youngster was in the vehicle when you were stopped, the judge might be forced to order installing an interlock ignition device.
Penalties Could be Harsher if Your BAC is Greater
If the court hearing your case finds you guilty, they may sentence you to harsher punishment if your BAC is high, such as double the legal limit or more. The severity of your punishments may increase if you accumulate multiple DWI offenses.
Repeat DWI Offenders May Be Sentenced to Prison
If you have been found guilty of DWI many times, it would not be unusual for the judge to sentence you to time in jail. The court will determine the length of your jail term as well as any other punishments you may face, such as community service requirements, requirements to enroll in a rehabilitation program, payment of a fine, loss of your license, etc.
If your case involves a breach of your personal rights, regardless of whether it is your first offense, you have the right to mount a defense or question the facts.