The Cost of a DUI in New Jersey

The Cost of a DUI in New Jersey

Getting arrested for DUI in New Jersey can be a scary and overwhelming experience. The legal process is complicated, and the costs and consequences of a conviction can be severe. This article provides an overview of the various fines, fees, and other expenses you may face if convicted of DUI in New Jersey.

Attorney Fees

If you hire a DUI defense attorney, expect to pay at least $1,000 – $2,500 in legal fees for a simple first offense. More complex cases or repeat offenses can cost $5,000 or more. A good DUI lawyer may seem expensive but can save you money in the long run by getting charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t go it alone without exploring your legal options.

Fines

For a first DUI offense, fines range from $250 – $500 depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Fines for a second offense range from $500 – $1,000. Third and subsequent offenses carry fines of $1,000 or more[1].

Additional fines may apply if the DUI occured in a school zone, construction zone, or while driving on a suspended license due to a prior DUI.

Court Fees

Expect to pay court fees of $100 or more just to have your case heard. There are also fees for probation monitoring, public defender applications, dismissal motions, appeals, and more. Court fees can add up fast.

Insurance Surcharges

After a DUI conviction, your auto insurance rates will skyrocket. You’ll pay an annual DUI surcharge of $1,000 for 3 years after your first offense[2]. That’s $3,000 extra just for insurance! Additional surcharges apply for repeat offenses.

License Suspension

A first DUI results in license suspension of 3 months to 1 year in New Jersey[3]. For a second offense, it’s 2 years. A third DUI brings a 10-year license suspension. The MVC charges a $100 fee to reinstate your license after a DUI suspension.

DUI School

You’ll be required to attend New Jersey’s Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program for counseling and education. This costs around $200 for first offenders and $400+ for repeat offenses[4].

Ignition Interlock

If convicted of DUI in NJ, you’ll need to install an ignition interlock device in your car for 6 months to 1 year. These breathalyzers cost over $100 for installation and around $80 per month in maintenance fees[5].

SR-22 Insurance

Most insurance companies require filing an SR-22 form after a DUI which provides proof of financial responsibility. SR-22 insurance can double your rates.

Lost Wages

Between court dates, DUI school, license suspension, and possible jail time, a DUI conviction can cause you to miss many hours of work. Some estimate a first DUI costs $10,000 in lost wages on average.

Towing and Impound Fees

After a DUI arrest, your car will be towed and impounded. You’ll need to pay fees to the tow company and impound lot to get your car back, easily $200 or more.

Probation and Monitoring

If sentenced to probation for DUI, you’ll pay monthly supervision fees typically around $50. Probation often involves random drug/alcohol testing, counseling, community service and other requirements that take time and money.

Potential Jail Time

While not typical for a first offense, DUI can carry jail time in New Jersey. Even just 2-3 days in jail can result in lost wages, childcare costs, and other headaches. Repeat offenses bring much higher chances of jail time.

As you can see, the true cost of a DUI goes far beyond just the fines imposed by the court. Between legal fees, insurance hikes, lost wages, and the ripple effects on your life, a single DUI can end up costing you over $10,000 in direct and indirect costs.

The aftermath of a DUI conviction extends for years. Your finances, career, and reputation may never fully recover. These long-term consequences underscore the importance of fighting your DUI charges and exploring all legal defense options. Don’t just plead guilty and accept the consequences. Consult with an experienced DUI attorney about the best defense strategies for your particular case. There are often ways to get charges reduced or dismissed when the stop, arrest, or BAC testing was flawed.

With so much on the line, it pays to have a knowledgeable lawyer in your corner. The right legal advocacy can help minimize the penalties so you can move on with your life. The costs of a DUI are severe, but the costs of not exploring your legal options are likely even greater.