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DWI Lawyer In Bergen County, NJ

Arrested for Drunk Driving? Get a New Jersey DWI Lawyer on Your Side.

New Jersey's penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI) are among the toughest in the Nation. New Jersey's stiff penalties for DWI/DUI convictions mean that anyone arrested on DWI/DUI charges should consult with an experienced drunk driving defense attorney to respond to the charges. 

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You may believe that it's pointless to fight a first-time DWI/DUI arrest, or you may believe that the easiest way out is to pay the fines and surcharges, accept the driver's license suspension, and move on with your life. Before you make any decisions, however, it is wise to consider all the potential negative consequences of pleading guilty without putting up a fight.

The Consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction

First and foremost, it must be understood that in addition to the fines, surcharges, suspensions, potential jail time, and increased insurances costs associated with a DWI/DUI conviction, a DWI/DUI conviction in New Jersey becomes a permanent part of your driving record.

While a DWI/DUI conviction is not considered criminal under New Jersey law (it is a motor vehicle violation), once you have been convicted it will always be on your driving abstract under current New Jersey law. This means a New Jersey DWI/DUI conviction cannot be expunged.

Second, it must be understood that under New Jersey law there is no such thing as a hardship license. This means that no matter what your circumstances are, once you are convicted you cannot drive at all in New Jersey during the license suspension period.

How Our NJ DUI Lawyers Can Help

At the Ridgewood DUI defense law firm of Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, we provide aggressive and intelligent criminal defense representation for clients throughout Bergen County and New Jersey. Our Bergen County DWI attorney is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Lawyer and is also a former New Jersey prosecutor. We know how prosecutors build cases against alleged drunk drivers which helps us uncover and build strong defenses to DWI/DUI charges so that our client's rights and interests are fully protected.


Arrested for a DWI? Start your defense with the help of our experienced Bergen County DWI lawyer. Contact our office to make an appointment.


DWI / DUI Penalties in New Jersey

The potential penalties faced by a person arrested for a DWI/DUI in New Jersey vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest, including but not limited to the person's driving history and his blood alcohol content (BAC). Below find a breakdown of the penalties associated with a DWI/DUI in New Jersey.

What Are The Penalties For a First DWI/DUI Offense in New Jersey?

For a first offense, New Jersey breaks the penalties for a DWI/DUI down by the Blood Alcohol Content as follows:

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% but less than .10%:

  • 3-month mandatory loss of license
  • Up to 30 days of jail time
  • 12-48 hours to be served in the Intoxicated Driver's Resource 
    Center (IDRC)
  • $250.00-$400.00 fine
  • $230.00 Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center fee
  • $100.00 Drunk Driving Fund assessment
  • $100.00 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund assessment
  • $1,000.00/year surcharge for 3 years
  • $75.00 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .10% or greater:

  • 7 months to 1-year mandatory loss of license
  • Up to 30 days of jail time
  • 12-48 hours to be served in the Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center (IDRC)
  • $300.00-$500.00 fine
  • $230.00 Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center fee
  • $100.00 Drunk Driving Fund assessment
  • $100.00 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund assessment
  • $1,000.00/year surcharge for 3 years
  • $75.00 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment

In addition to the penalties above, if the driver is convicted of a first DWI/DUI and his/her Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was .15% or greater, then an ignition interlock device must be installed in the driver's vehicle during the entire period of the license suspension and six months to 1 year following the restoration of the driver's license. For individuals registering a BAC of less than .15%, the installation of an ignition interlock device lies within the discretion of the court.

What Are The Penalties For a Second DWI/DUI Offense in New Jersey?

  • 2-year mandatory loss of license; 30 days of community service
  • 48 hours to 90 days of jail time
  • 12-48 hours to be served in the Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center (IDRC)
  • $500.00-$1,000.00 fine
  • $280.00 Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center fee
  • $100.00 Drunk Driving Fund assessment
  • $100.00 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund assessment
  • $1,000.00/year surcharge for 3 years
  • $75.00 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment

In addition to the penalties above, for a second offense, an ignition interlock device must be installed in the driver's vehicle during the entire license suspension period and 1-3 years following the restoration of the driver's license.

What Are The Penalties For a Third DWI/DUI Offense in New Jersey?

  • 10-year mandatory loss of license
  • 180 days of jail time - mandatory; (up to 90 days of jail time can be served in in-patient drug/alcohol treatment)
  • 12-48 hours to be served in the Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center (IDRC)
  • $1,000.00 fine
  • $280.00 Intoxicated Driver's Resource Center fee
  • $100.00 Drunk Driving Fund assessment
  • $100.00 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund assessment
  • $1,500.00/year surcharge for 3 years
  • $75.00 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment

In addition to the penalties above, for a third offense, an ignition interlock device must be installed in the driver's vehicle during the entire license suspension period and 1-3 years following the restoration of the driver's license.

DWI Arrests in New Jersey

The potential penalties faced by a person arrested for a DWI/DUI in New Jersey vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest, his/her blood alcohol content (BAC), and his/her driving history. Penalties can also depend on whether the person refused the Alcotest or field sobriety tests during the traffic stop.

For this reason, our investigation often focuses on whether the police followed correct procedures in making the initial stop, in administering field sobriety tests, and on whether the police followed proper procedures in administering the Alcotest.

When Is an Ignition Interlock Device Required?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer installed in an individual’s vehicle. It requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece on the device before starting the vehicle. If the device detects a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than is programmed into the device, it will prevent the car from being started.

If you’ve been charged and convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), a judge may require you to install an IID in your car. For a 1st DWI offense, it is up to the judge’s discretion. You may or may not be required to install a device for 6 months to 1 year after you get your car back. For a 2nd DWI offense, however, an IID installation is mandatory while your license is suspended and for 1 to 3 years following the restoration of your license.

Depending on the number of DWIs you have, or the judge’s decision, when the court sentences you to get an IID, you will receive a notice of suspension from the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). MVC will give you instructions on how to obtain a device, which you will likely have to pay for yourself. The state will give you a list of installation locations throughout the state. The amount of the installation and upkeep fees will vary, depending on the manufacturer. If you fail to install an IID on your car after a court order, you could get an additional year of driving privilege suspension.

If you’ve been accused of a DWI, make sure to talk to a skilled Bergen County DWI attorney. Our lawyer at Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC is passionate about defending our client's rights and freedom. We have decades of proven criminal defense experience and our attorney is highly rated by peers and former clients. Let us see what we can do for you and your case.

Why Should I Hire a DWI Lawyer?

Here are the main reasons that you will want to hire an attorney if you have gotten charged with a DUI or a DWI:

  1. A DWI or DUI charge can have major consequences including loss of license, fines, and even jail time. Hiring a skilled DWI lawyer can help minimize these penalties and potentially get the charges dropped altogether.
  2. DWI laws vary from state to state and change frequently. A DWI attorney will have an in-depth understanding of current DWI laws in your jurisdiction and how to navigate them.
  3. DWI lawyers often specialize specifically in DWI defense and may have valuable relationships with prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement that could benefit your case.
  4. DWI attorneys are familiar with various defenses that can be used in DWI cases such as questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer tests or challenging the legality of the traffic stop.
  5. DWI lawyers can also help with related issues that may arise from a DWI charge such as license suspension hearings and ignition interlock device requirements.
  6. The cost of hiring a DWI lawyer is often less than the fines and fees associated with a DWI conviction. Overall, investing in experienced legal representation can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Contact our DWI/DUI lawyer in Bergen County today to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about what we can do to help.

Understanding the Importance of Legal Representation

Being charged with a DUI/DWI offense can have serious legal and personal consequences. It is crucial to understand the importance of hiring an experienced Bergen County DWI lawyer to protect your rights and defend your case. Our team at Joseph R. Donahue, LLC has a deep understanding of New Jersey DWI laws and can provide the aggressive representation you need to navigate the complexities of your case.

Benefits of hiring a Bergen County DWI lawyer include:

  • Expert legal guidance throughout the legal process
  • Strategic defense to minimize penalties and consequences
  • Protection of your rights and interests in court
  • Potential reduction or dismissal of charges
  • Peace of mind knowing you have a skilled advocate on your side

Don't face DWI charges alone. Contact our Bergen County DWI lawyer today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.

Contact Our Bergen County DWI Lawyer

Whether you are facing a first, a second, a third, or a subsequent DWI/DUI offense, we have the knowledge, experience, and discretion necessary to handle your situation. Our phones are monitored by discreet professionals 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. If you're in trouble in New Jersey, we pick up the phone.


Facing charges for DUI? Contact the DWI attorney of Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC at (201) 574-7919 or contact us online.


While our law firm is based in Bergen County, we practice statewide with a focus on the courts of Northern New Jersey, including the Federal courts in Newark, and the State and Municipal courts of Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Union County, Morris County, Middlesex County, Hackensack, Paterson, Passaic, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Morristown, Union City, Allendale, Alpine, Bergenfield, Bogota, Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fair Lawn, Fairview, Fort Lee, Franklin Lakes, Garfield, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Hasbrouck Heights, Haworth, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Leonia, Little Ferry, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Maywood, Midland Park, Montvale, Moonachie, New Milford, North Arlington, Northvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Oradell, Palisades Park, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Ridgewood, River Edge, River Vale, Rochelle Park, Rockleigh, Rutherford, Saddle Brook, Saddle River, South Hackensack, Teaneck, Tenafly, Teterboro, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Wallington, Washington Township, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, Wood-Ridge, Wyckoff and surrounding areas.

Our experienced, knowledgeable, and aggressive criminal defense attorney  has handled cases throughout New Jersey.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "The best lawyer I could have ever asked for"

    The best attorney I have ever met in my life. I was facing four felony gun charges and ended up paying a $100 fine with a ...

    - Patrick
    "An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends."

    He handled my case effectively. An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends. He displays a lot ...

    - Recent Client
    "TRUST me and go to him if you need anything, he won't let you down"

    My experience was beyond amazing. I always thought going through the court process and finding a lawyer would be the hardest ...

    - Recent Client
    ""the superior court judge issued a written order reversing the municipal court's guilty decision""

    Our son was arrested and charged with DUI in early December of 2015. We got a lawyer who helped us gather evidence (arrest ...

    - Anonymous Client
    "You and your staff were exemplary in your efforts and performance."

    Dear Joseph: I wish to thank you and the staff for all of your efforts, professional knowledge and timeliness in performing ...

    - Criminal Client
    "Outstanding Legal Professional"

    As a Case Management Consultant, I have referred a number of clients to Mr. Donahue over the years. He is an outstanding ...

    - Advocacy Support Network LLC
    "restored my faith in lawyers"

    Mr. Donahue defended me in DWI,it would have been my 3rd.I would have lost DL for ten years and 180 days in jail. I would ...

    - Ken
    "Outstanding Litigator"

    I am a legal consultant who works with many of the top criminal defense lawyers primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey. ...

    - Client
Our Trial-Tested Approach

We always strive to put our clients in the best position possible, so our immediate goal is to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal. If this cannot be done, we seek to minimize the consequences by all legal means possible, perhaps by pursuing a plea agreement, which could include alternate sentencing that improves the impact on our client’s record. Our Bergen County criminal defense attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if we feel it is in the best interests of our client. No matter how complex your charges may be, we have the proven expertise and passion to help you achieve a positive outcome. Discover how we can help you today.