There are many potential consequences for a conviction of driving under the influence in New Jersey. You might be familiar with some of the penalties, such as fines and jail time.
However, what you might not realize is that the consequences have the potential to increase with any subsequent convictions. Additionally, there might be some other downsides of a conviction.
1. Criminal record
Regardless of the exact penalties, a DUI could also give you a conviction on your criminal record. This could complicate job searches and other aspects of your life for many years into the future.
2. Hidden costs
DUI convictions could have monetary consequences beyond fines, legal fees and court costs. For example, you might have to pay for the installation of an ignition interlock device. You might also find that your insurance premiums go up.
3. Post-conviction legal costs
In the event that you want to pursue a specific opportunity after a DUI conviction, there could be post-conviction relief options available to you. However, a pre-conviction strategy could have more attractive potential outcomes.
However, some of the options could be expensive, depending on the details of your case. Additionally, these laws change often, and some options might not fully clean all aspects of your record.
The exact consequences of a conviction would typically depend on the facts of your case. Furthermore, the impact those consequences could have on your life would depend on your current and future aspirations. Once you take all of this into account, you should be able to form a strategy to make the most of your unique situation.
