Consequences of DWI / DUI Convictions

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, a DUI / DWI conviction may result in having to face severe penalties, including jail time and a loss of your driving privileges.

Jail and financial penalties in PENNSYLVANIA

• Based upon certain factors, the court may sentence a person convicted of DUI to a penalty of 48 hours to 5 years of jail time.
• A person convicted of DUI may suffer the penalty of being placed on probation instead of serving time in jail.
• Depending upon the nature of the DUI offense, a person convicted of DUI may face financial penalties from $300 to $10,000 in fines.
• As part of a DUI conviction, the court will require attendance of Alcohol Highway Safety School at the defendant’s expense.
• The court may also require that a person attend alcohol / drug dependency counseling at the defendant’s expense.
• An ignition interlock device must be put on every car owned by the defendant for an second or subsequent DUI conviction at the defendant’s expense.
• A DUI conviction is a criminal conviction.

Jail and financial penalties in NEW JERSEY

• Based upon certain factors, the court may sentence a DWI offender to serve from 48 hours to 6 months in jail. For any third or subsequent DWI conviction, the court must sentence an individual to serve 6 months in jail.
• Depending upon the nature of the DWI offense, a person convicted of DWI may suffer the financial penalty of a $250 to $2,000 fine and have to pay hundreds more dollars in costs and surcharges.
• Community service penalty for 30 days will be imposed for certain DWI offenses, which is overseen by a county probation officer.
• Up to 48 hours of classes in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, plus the possibility of additional counseling at the expense of the defendant.

Penalties for driver’s license in PENNSYLVANIA

• License suspension penalties from 12 months to 18 months, depending upon the nature of the DUI offense.
• Commercial driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year or for lifetime, depending upon the nature of the DUI offense.
• Commercial driver’s license with hazmat provision will be suspended for 3 years or for lifetime.
• Persons caught driving with a DUI related suspension will receive additional driver’s license suspension as well as jail time.
• Occupational limited license (work license) for only certain DUI offenses.

Penalties for driver’s license in NEW JERSEY

• License suspension penalties from 90 days to 10 years, depending on the nature of the DWI offense.
• Commercial driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year or for lifetime, depending on the nature of the DWI offense.
• Commercial driver’s license with hazmat provision will be suspended for 3 years or for lifetime.
• Persons caught driving with a DWI related suspension will receive additional driver’s license suspension as well as jail time.
• No occupational limited license (work license) for any DWI offense.
• Surcharge penalty of $1000 per year for 3 years, even if out-of-state resident.
• DWI convictions in New Jersey stay on your driving record FOREVER.

Insurance company penalties

• Car insurance companies may impose penalties by raising rates or dropping coverage following a DWI / DUI conviction.
• Life insurance companies will often deny applications for coverage or offer coverage with increased premiums.
• Individual health insurance policies can potentially be increased.

Immigration and travel penalties

• Potential deportation for non-citizens of the United States.
• Naturalization denial.
• Work visa or Green card renewal may be delayed or denied.
• Foreign countries, such as Canada, will deny immigration requests.
• Foreign countries, such as Canada, may delay or block entry into country even if for vacation.