New Jersey Couple Shares Everything Together, Including DWI Charges
Someone facing a second or third DWI conviction in New Jersey faces increasingly stiff penalties. A man and his wife were unsuccessful in avoiding these penalties when they tried to trick police.
December 21, 2011
New Jersey Couple Shares Everything Together, Including DWI ChargesDWI arrests typically increase during the winter because holiday parties and time off from work tend to put people in a "festive" mood. During this time New Jersey law enforcement ramps up its on-duty patrol to catch as many drunk drivers as possible. Sometimes, however, police officers run into vehicles where one DWI charge just isn't enough.
The Nyack-Piermont Patch reports that an Orangetown police officer recently charged a husband and wife with DWIs following a two-car accident. The husband -- a 46 year-old man with a previous DWI conviction -- was driving his minivan when he struck another vehicle carrying three occupants.
When police arrived at the scene they found the husband walking around, while his wife sat in the driver's seat with the engine still running. Upon further investigation, however, witnesses told police that the husband and wife switched places to conceal the fact that the husband's driving caused the accident. The couple probably knew that a second DWIconviction would mean stiff penalties for the husband, while the wife might get off with less. Needless to say, their ruse was unsuccessful.
Increased Penalties for Multiple DWI Convictions
New Jersey takes DWI/DUI offenses very seriously, and although the penalties for a first DWI conviction are no laughing matter, they are much less severe than those awaiting repeat offenders. The Motor Vehicle Commission details the increased penalties for repeat DWI convictions in New Jersey:
-License suspension/revocation of two years
-Thousands of dollars in fines
-Prison term of up to 90 days
-Extended community service time
-Installation of an ignition interlock device during license suspension and three years following restoration
The exact penalties, however, will depend upon multiple factors involved in your arrest. Anyone charged with DWI should speak with a qualified DWI lawyer soon after your arrest, especially if you are facing your second or third conviction.
Article provided by Gerard DelTufo
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