
Morris County DWI Defense Attorney
Driving While Intoxicated in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 and 39:4-50.4a
New Jersey deals harshly with intoxicated drivers. Driving while intoxicated, also known as driving under the influence, is treated very seriously and law enforcement and prosecutors will aggressively pursue the harshest penalties for individuals accused of DWI. It is of vital importance that you enlist a criminal defense attorney to forcefully protect your rights.
My team at The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. helps clients with all types of DWI cases, including:
DWI charges and penalties are largely determined by your blood alcohol content, or BAC, at the time of your arrest. The penalties for DWI can affect you for years to come and may even result in a jail sentence depending on the circumstances.
New Jersey Drunk Driving Penalties
Some of the penalties you may face include:
- For a first offense with a BAC of between .08 % and .10 %, you may be imposed fines of up to $400 along with detainment of between 12 and 48 hours. Following a conviction, you may be forced to serve up to 30 days in jail, attend addictions counseling, and installation of ignition interlock device (IID) for up to three months (indefinite driver's license suspension until IID is installed). If you permit someone who is under the influence to operate your vehicle, you may also be found guilty of DWI.
- For a first offense with a BAC of more than .10 % but less than .15 %, a conviction results in fines of up to $500, a maximum 30-day jail term, and the use of IID for a period between seven months and one year (indefinite driver's license suspension until IID is installed).
- For a first offense with a BAC of more than .15 %, a conviction leads to fines of up to $500, a jail term of up to 30 days, driver's license suspension between four and six months, and have an IID installed during and after the suspension between nine and 15 months.
- A second DWI offense can lead to fines of up to $1,000 along with detainment for 48 hours. If convicted, you may be facing a 90-day jail term, community service, and license forfeiture ranging from one to two years (IID installation is required both during and following the forfeiture period). Once the forfeiture period is over and your driver's license is reinstated, the IID must remain installed for an additional term between two and four years.
- For a third or subsequent offense, you may be fined up to $1,000 and will serve a minimum 180 day sentence in jail or a workhouse. You will also lose your license for eight years and be forced to participate in a drug or alcohol inpatient rehabilitation program. IID installation is required both during and following the forfeiture period. Once the forfeiture period is over and your driver's license is reinstated, the IID must remain installed for an additional term between two and four years.
The judge has discretion in many of the penalties that can result from DWI cases. The legal punishments can be harsh but the consequences do not end there. Your insurance rates will dramatically increase costing you for many years to come. My firm, The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. understands what you are facing. I am very well-versed in DWI cases and I will work with you to zealously pursue the most favorable possible outcome.
Contact a DUI Lawyer for Powerful Defense
Being charged with DWI is an embarrassing and stressful situation that can damage your reputation and your future. Along with court imposed DWI penalties, if your career involves driving, your job itself may be in jeopardy. There are several potential DWI defense strategies including challenging BAC test results or rights violations that could be involved in the police stop. I will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine if your rights were violated. My firm will access every possible resource to assist you in seeking the best possible outcome when you have been charged with DWI.
Contact us today to learn about the available defense options if you were charged with drunk driving in New Jersey.

See What They Are Saying About Me
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"Mr. Porreca always had the time and patience to answer my questions or concerns."
Mr. Porreca always had the time and patience to answer my questions or concerns. Thank you, Christopher.- Frank -
"Chris was great!"
His knowledge and patience in explaining every possible scenario to us was great. We knew EXACTLY what we we walking in to. His response time and efficiency was stellar. He was on point and didn't let any "grass grow". If it needed to get done, he did it. I have and will continue to recommend Chris to anyone in need of an attorney.- Melissa -
"He was there for me every step of the way."
Mr. Porreca will be the first person I contact if anyone I know needs legal advice or representation.- N.M. -
"I always felt safe with him."
Mr. Porreca did an awesome job with my case. I always felt safe with him. He is straight forward, plays close to the vest and turns around with winning results! I would recommend him to anyone in my family or any of my friends. My charges of allowing intoxicated person to drive and unopened container were dismissed thanks to the hard work and dedication he gives to his clients. His retainer was extremely fair. His legal foresight is usually dead on. You could not be in better hands in the municipal court.- CJ

Why Hire My New Jersey Defense Firm?
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I work personally and promptly to help reduce, acquit, or dismiss your charges.
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I handle criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases to ensure satisfactory results.
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I use my 25 years of experience to make sure you do not feel the heavy hand of the law.
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I have earned the Avvo Client's Choice Award for the year of 2020.


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