If you face drunk driving charges, you need to understand the different ways in which the case could impact your life. Unfortunately, an unfavorable outcome in court could lead to harsh penalties that prevent you from driving and interfere with your life in many ways.
It is important to keep in mind that many factors can affect the penalties associated with a drunk driving case, such as the presence of children in the vehicle, past offenses and your blood alcohol content level.
The Department of Law and Public Safety covers the penalties associated with drunk driving charges. In the state of New Jersey, you could face a fine of up to $500 and have to spend 30 days behind bars as a first-time offender. Additionally, you could deal with a surcharge on your auto insurance and license forfeiture until you set up an ignition interlock device.
For a second offense, you could face a fine of as much as $1,000, a two-year license suspension and have to spend up to 90 days behind bars. A third offense could lead to a sentence of as many as 180 days behind bars, a $1,000 fine and license suspension for eight years.
You should also realize that in addition to court-imposed penalties drunk driving charges could affect other facets of your life. For example, you could lose friends and face challenges in your personal relationships. Having this offense on your record could create problems later on, when you try to apply for work in a certain field. Many people struggle with high levels of stress and other negative emotions due to drunk driving charges.
It is essential to understand the steps you can take to safeguard your future. Carefully examine the details involved in your drunk driving case and make sure you have a solid understanding of your options.
