New Jersey takes a no-nonsense approach to driving under the influence of alcohol and other mind-altering and mood-altering substances.
- First offense: up 30 days imprisonment, $250 to $500 dollar fine, and loss of license for three months to one year
- Second offense: up to 90 days imprisonment, $500 to $1,000 dollar fine, and loss of license for two years
- Third offense: up to 180 days imprisonment, $1,000 dollar fine, and loss of license for ten years
- All offenses: An ignition interlock test (IID) may be required, which is a breathalyzer that is attached to the ignition of your car. You must take the breathalyzer test every time you go to start your vehicle. If you are over the legal limit, your car will not start. You have to pay out-of-pocket for the IID to be installed
As you can see, the consequences are severe enough to interfere with your life. New Jersey does not even allow you to drive to and from work if your license is suspended.
Should You Go to Rehab if You Got a DUI?
Rehab will only be beneficial to you if you are legitimately suffering from alcoholism. The key to knowing if you are suffering from alcoholism, as opposed to having an excessive like for drinking, is if your drinking is uncontrollable enough to interfere with your life and meets other criteria.
- You drink to cope with life’s usual problems
- You drink alone and/or attempt to keep your drinking secret from others
- Every life event has to involve alcohol, otherwise you will be very appalled
- Work, legal, and relationship troubles due to drinking
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you do not drink (e.g. shakes, rapid heart rate, hypertension, aches, and seizures)
- Others are concerned about your drinking
Getting behind the wheel of a car after an episode of uncontrollable drinking may be an indication that your drinking is interfering with your life. Going to rehab and showing you are making a conscious effort to recovering from your alcoholism may help your legal case.
If you meet the criteria of alcoholism, you should consider going to rehab. Alcoholism is a disease, not a moral issue. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other state laws will protect you from being fired from your job. Seacrest Recovery Center is located in Eatontown, NJ. We provide Florida-quality treatment to New Jersey locals who do not have the means to go to our treatment center in Florida. Call us today at (833) 762-3765 if you are interested in rehab or have general questions about addiction.