Skip to Content Top
The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. First Offense DWI
Your Case Becomes My Mission & Every Mission Is Possible

Parsippany First DWI Lawyer

Consequences for a First DWI in New Jersey

When an officer of the law suspects that a person is driving while intoxicated, they will ask the driver to pull over to the side of the road and conduct a field sobriety test. Common roadside sobriety tests include the one leg stand test, walk and turn test, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, among other types of testing methods. An officer may also ask the driver to blow into a small machine to approximately calibrate the blood alcohol content of this individual. If the results yield a .08% or higher, the person will most likely be arrested on the spot and taken back to the station for booking.

Penalties for First DWI

There are many consequences associated with a first time DWI offense in New Jersey, including the following:

  • Fines up to $400;
  • Detainment for 12 to 48 hours;
  • Up to 30 days in jail (post-conviction);
  • Attend alcohol counseling; and
  • Ignition interlock device (IID) installation between seven months to one year (indefinite driver's license suspension until IID is installed).

These penalties are all associated with a DWI conviction for the first time offender with a BAC between .08% and .10%, except the IID installation period ranging from seven months to one year. For higher BACs, the consequences begin to increase to a $500 fine and the IID installation period ranging from nine to 15 months, on top of the other consequences already named. Again, indefinite driver's license suspension until IID is installed. Additionally, New Jersey state law allows a person who permits an intoxicated person to drive their vehicle to be charged with DWI as well.

Enlist a Skilled Parsippany DWI Defense Attorney

If you have recently been charged with driving while intoxicated, do not wait another moment to secure the legal representation you will need to find a favorable outcome in your case. DWI cases can be extremely complex; all aspects of the case will need to be reviewed to determine if your charges are legitimate. In some cases, an officer misreads a breath test machine, leading to a false arrest.


Only a Parsippany DWI lawyer will be able to provide you with the evidence and the answers that you need. Contact the team at The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. to discuss your case and defense options.


 

  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Criminal Defense, 2014-2020
  • Super Lawyers® list published by Thomson Reuters
  • "Rising Star" for lawyers under 40 in New Jersey, 2006 - 2011
My Clients Have a Story and a Voice

See What They Are Saying About Me

  • "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
The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C.

Why Hire My New Jersey Defense Firm?

  • Your Future Matters
    I work personally and promptly to help reduce, acquit, or dismiss your charges.
  • Your Rights Matter
    I handle criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases to ensure satisfactory results.
  • Your Freedom Matters
    I use my 25 years of experience to make sure you do not feel the heavy hand of the law.
  • Your Satisfaction Matters
    I have earned the Avvo Client's Choice Award for the year of 2020.
  • Got Questions? We Have Answers
    Explore our FAQs for clarity on your case<
    FAQ
  • Legal Insights & Updates
    Stay informed with expert advice on our blog
  • Meet Your Legal Team
    Get to know the attorneys fighting for you