Whether you were charged in Bridgewater, Raritan, Bound Brook or another town with underage DWI, failure to successfully defend the offense will result in serious penalties. You will absolutely lose your license and, if your blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) was .08%, also face the consequences of a regular driving while intoxicated violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50. The translation of this is that an attorney is a must if you want any chance of avoiding the ramification of a conviction. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are here to serve you in this role as former DUI prosecutors with over 100 years of experience between us. It also helps that our training is exceptional in DWI defense, including many being certified on the Alcotest and in field sobriety testing. To discuss your side of the story and learn what we can offer in terms of defending a underage DWI offense, call our Bridgewater Office today at 908-722-1011. The consultation is free of charge.
Arrested for Underage Driving While Intoxicated/Under the Influence
When someone is under legal drinking age of 21 and operates a motor vehicle, they are exposed to the punishment set forth at N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14. This statute establishes the offense known as underage DWI which applies to underage motorist with BAC of .01%. What this means is that it is illegal for someone under 21 to drive a vehicle with any alcohol in their system. If the breathalyzer or a blood test reveals any level whatsoever, a violation of this law has occurred. The consequences of this charge include 30-90 days suspension of your driver’s license, 15-30 days of community service, and a requirement that you participate in an alcohol education educations program. This should also be reiterate that if the accused has a BAC of .08% or higher and your attorney is unable to invalidate the related breath test or blood test results, you will be subject to the penalties that apply to an “adult” charge. The result is much more serious punishment that includes an annual surcharge of $1,000 for three consecutive years, at least 90 days and as much as a year loss of your license, and the possibility of jail. Another important consideration is that you will have a first offense under 39:4-50 so that any subsequent violation results in the penalties outlined for a second offense under the New Jersey DWI law.
Bridgewater NJ Underage DWI Attorney
While it might appear that little can be done in an underage DWI case, that could not be further from the truth. In an overwhelmingly high percentage of 39:4-50.14 violations we handle the accused is also facing a regular DWI. Our rate in suppressing (i.e. eliminating) breath test and blood test readings is impressive and, whenever this results is achieved, the downgrade is invariably to underage driving while intoxicated. Our client derives a significant benefit in the form of no fine being imposed, a much more limited license suspension (30-90 days instead of 90-365 days), and avoidance of the $3,000 DMV surcharge ($1000 for 3 years). On top of the direct relief, there is no first offense that will exist in the event that minor is later convicted as an adult pursuant to 39:4-50. Furthermore, even when the sole drinking and driving motor vehicle violation is for underage DWI, we usually can succeed in reducing the period of revocation and community service. It clearly is your best interests to contact our firm to discuss your Readington, Clinton, Vernon, Sparta or Franklin underage offense. We can be reached around the clock for free consultations at 908-722-1011 and 973-971-0030.
