Driving under the influence (DUIs) charges is commonly associated with operating a car after the consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, what many New Jersey motorists may not realize is that a driving under the influence charge embodies not only the consumption of alcohol, but also the use of controlled substances, including marijuana. Similar to a regular DUI charge, a conviction for drugged driving under New Jersey law can accompany serious penalties that may impact your ability to drive in the future.
Marijuana DUI: New Jersey Law
Like most other states, motorists in New Jersey can be charged with drunk driving if law enforcement suspects them to be operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or any other drugs that are habit inducing under the guidelines of N.J.S.A. § 39:4-50. It should be noted that the penalties for drugged driving can be different depending on whether you were charged with the same crime before.
Below are the general guidelines for penalties and consequences for drugged driving:
- If it is your first offense, a conviction can carry a fine between $250 and $400, jail time of up to 30 days, and suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year.
- If it is your second offense, a conviction can carry a fine between $500 to $1,000, jail time of up to 90 days, 30 days of community service, and suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years.
- If it is your third offense, a conviction may bring a $1,000 fine, jail time of six months, and a ten year suspension of your driver’s license. Any subsequent DUI convictions may be treated the same way. However, in certain situations, the court may order probation instead of jail time.
How Can a DUI Attorney Help?
The consequences for any type of DUI conviction, whether alcohol or drug related, can seriously impact all aspects of your life. It can affect your social life, your family life, your profession and everything else. The bottom line is that a DUI charge should not be taken lightly. You need to take every step possible to fight the charges and prevent a conviction.
One of the most important steps you need to take after getting arrested for a DUI is to hire an experienced attorney. A knowledgeable and aggressive New Jersey DUI attorney can review the specific facts of your case and help put together a strategy to fight the charges and possibly avoid a conviction. A good attorney will know what to look for when coming up with successful defenses for your case.
Call a New Jersey Marijuana DUI Attorney Today!
If you or someone you know has been arrested for drunk or drugged driving in New Jersey, an experienced attorney can help avoid a conviction. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey marijuana DUI attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo, please call the Beninato & Matrafajlo Law at (908) 248-4404.
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