Have you or someone you know been charged with a DWI in Long Beach Island? If so you should be aware that New Jersey has some of the strictest drinking and driving laws in the entire country which bring severe punishment. For those drivers who have a CDL license, a potential conviction for DWI can be crippling as the laws for these drivers are much stricter than for drivers who only have a basic driver's license. Whether you were stopped in Surf City, Ship Bottom, Beach Heaven, Barnegat Light, Holgate or Harvey Cedars, our firm represents clients throughout Long Beach Island. Speak to one of our DWI Defense Attorneys today to begin forming a defense to the consequences that come with a DWI conviction.

What to expect with CDL DWI in New Jersey?
The penalties for a CDL DWI under N.J.S.A.  39:3-10.13 include:

• For a first offense- 3 months suspension of the persons basic driver's license, a 1 year suspension of the CDL license, $250-$400 in fines, 12-48 hours at an intoxicated drivers resource center and up to 30 days in jail.
• If the driver's Blood Alcohol Concentration is .10% or above-a 7 month to 1 year suspension of the basic driver's license, a 1 year suspension of the CDL license, $300-$500 in fines, 12-48 hours at an intoxicated drivers resource center and up to 30 days in jail
• For a second offense of CDL DWI- The person will now have their CDL license permanently suspended in the state of New Jersey, the basic driver's license will be suspended for 2 years, $500-$1000 to be paid in fines, 30 days of community service, 12- 48 hours at an intoxicated drivers resource center and a minimum of 48 hours in jail that can reach up to 90 days at the Court's discretion.

The penalties for a CDL DWI are purposely stricter and far reaching because these drivers are held to a higher standard. Unlike a basic DWI where the legal limit is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration, for any person who has a CDL license and operating a commercial vehicle legal limit under N.J.S.A.  39:3-10.13 is 0.04 %. Because of the differences between these two legal limits, many drivers may make the mistake of assuming that they can consume more alcohol than what is actually allowed. Additionally the vehicle that the driver who has a CDL license is operating during the time of a DWI stop does not matter as these penalties will still apply  even when the driver was not operating a commercial motor vehicle. What this means for any CDL driver returning home from a night out in Long Beach Island, if stopped for suspicion of DWI and asked to perform a breath test using the Alcotest 7110 a reading of 0.08% or more will not only result in a basic driver's license suspension but the driver now faces the additional suspension of the CDL license for 1 year.

Speak to experienced DWI Defense Lawyers Today

For the past 20 years our team at lawyers of Villani & Deluca have helped those across Monmouth and Ocean County facing CDL DWI convictions. For most CDL drivers, the license allows them to make a livelihood and losing the ability to operate a commercial vehicle can lead to the loss of employment. Protect yourself with experienced attorneys who have defended against these charges can be critical to the outcome of your case. By contacting our lawyers you will be able to speak about your case and receive a FREE initial consultation. Don't let a potential CDL DWI conviction destroy your career, call us today at 609-389-9470.