Parsippany, New Jersey also known as Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, is home to approximately 53,238 people, making it the most populous municipality in Morris County. With countless places to work, eat, shop, and recreate, Parsippany was ranked 5th among the Best Places to Live in the United States by Money Magazine, earning it the highest ranking in New Jersey. Parsippany’s location is extremely convenient, as it lies at the intersection of Interstates 80, 280, and 287; as well as Routes 46, 202, and 10. In fact, with 208.45 miles of roadways, Parsippany has the longest stretch of roadways in Morris County. Unfortunately, with miles of roads come tons of police, including officers from the Parsippany Police Department and troopers from the New Jersey State Police. With such a significant law enforcement presence, countless Parsippany residents, visitors, and travelers are pulled over, arrested, and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) offenses every year. When you are facing DWI charges in Parsippany, so much is hanging in the balance: your finances, your reputation, your ability to drive and conduct the activities of your daily life. You may even be forced to serve time in Morris County jail. Fortunately, you have the right to mount a compelling defense of your innocence.
The DWI defense attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm aggressively defend clients charged with DWI and DUI in Parsippany and Morris County on a regular basis. Our highly skilled DWI defense team is well-equipped to attack the State’s case in pursuit of the best possible outcome. For instance, several of our lawyers are among the select few in New Jersey who are Certified in the operation and maintenance of the Alcotest 7110 breathalyzer device, which is used to evaluate the driver’s blood alcohol concentration is the majority of New Jersey DWI cases. In addition, we have a former New Jersey State Trooper and Police Academy instructor who thoroughly investigates our clients’ cases to find errors in police protocol, including issues with field sobriety tests, that may provide grounds for a dismiss. With our meticulous approach to DWI defense, we have delivered superior outcomes to clients in Parsippany Municipal Court for years, and we have earned the Avvo.com Client’s Choice Award for the last 4 years running. If you are facing DWI charges in Parsippany, contact The Tormey Law Firm today at (908) 336-5008 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you. We always provide initial consultations free of charge.
Understanding New Jersey DWI Charges: N.J.S.A. 39:4-50
New Jersey law addresses charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in section N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, which provides:
“Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, a person who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, or operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant’s blood or permits another person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug to operate a motor vehicle owned by him or in his custody or control or permits another to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant’s blood shall be subject…”
The statute goes on to delineate the specific penalties associated with a conviction for DWI, which are contingent upon the number of previous offenses (if any) for which the defendant was found guilty, as well as his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the offense. New Jersey DWI’s are distinguished among first offense, second offense, and third or subsequent offense, with penalties that increase in accordance with the number of prior DUI offenses. Notably, first offense DWI is further divided into two distinct categories: drivers with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10% and drivers with a BAC that exceeds 0.10%.
What Happens if You are Convicted of DWI in New Jersey?
As mentioned previously, the consequences of drunk driving in New Jersey are variable. The specific sentencing guidelines associated with each type and level of DWI offense are as follows:
First Offense DWI with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10%:
- 3-month driver’s license suspension
- Fine: $250.00 to $400.00
- Up to 30 days in the Morris County jail
- Between 12 and 48 hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
- $1,000.00 New Jersey DMV surcharge each year for 3 years
First Offense DWI with a BAC above 0.10%:
- Between 7 months and 1 year driver’s license suspension
- Fine: $300.00 to $500.00
- Up to 30 days in the Morris County jail
- Between 12 and 48 hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
- $1,000.00 New Jersey DMV surcharge each year for 3 years
- Mandatory ignition interlock device during the period of license suspension and six (6) months following license restoration if the defendant’s BAC is 0.15% or higher.
- 2-year driver’s license suspension
- Fine: $500.00 to $1,000.00
- Up to 30 days in the Morris County jail
- 48 hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
- Community service for 30 days
- Mandatory ignition interlock device during the period of license suspension and between 1 and 3 years following license restoration
- 10-year driver’s license suspension
- Fine: $1,000.00
- 180 days in the Morris County jail
- Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) determined on a case-by-case basis
- Mandatory ignition interlock device during the period of license suspension and between 1 and 3 years following license restoration
DUI Defense Attorneys in Parsippany NJ
At The Tormey Law Firm, we are committed to leveraging all of our knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible results for our clients. Check out a few of our Parsippany DWI Success Stories: Parsippany DWI in a School Zone Charges Dismissed and Parsippany DWI Dismissed, and contact our offices today at (908) 336-5008 to find the answers you need to combat your DWI charges in Parsippany, New Jersey.
The following are some other helpful resources that provide additional information about DWI and DUI charges in New Jersey:
