Drivers are usually free to cross state lines during their travels, but they must be careful about being pulled over by the police in another state. Out-of-state drivers may be stopped and arrested for DUIs or DWIs in New Jersey, and there may be serious consequences. You might have to deal with penalties from New Jersey and your home state.
When a driver from another state gets a DUI in New Jersey, they not only must deal with certain penalties here, but they might also deal with penalties against their license back home. New Jersey has no control over how other states issue driver’s licenses or how they might enforce penalties. You may have to return to New Jersey at some point to deal with your case.
Speak to our Atlantic City DUI and DWI defense lawyers for a free case evaluation by calling the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (856) 281-9600.
What Happens When an Out-of-State Driver Gets a DUI in New Jersey?
Drivers may be licensed in various states, but they are still free to drive across state lines largely unrestricted. If a driver from another state is stopped and arrested for a DWI or DUI in New Jersey, they may face consequences here and at home.
If you are from another state and are charged with a DUI in New Jersey, you may face legal penalties imposed by New Jersey. This may include fines and even jail time in cases. However, what happens to your license depends on the state that issued your driver’s license.
Most states are part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact and will enforce traffic and motor vehicle violations from other states. This means you cannot return to your home state to avoid penalties for a DUI in New Jersey.
As said, the penalties tend to vary based on the state that issued your license. An offense that might involve a fine in New Jersey might instead involve points against your driver’s license in another state. It is a good idea to check with an attorney.
How an Out-of-State Driver Can Challenge a New Jersey DUI
If you are from another state but get charged with a DUI in New Jersey, you can ask a New Jersey attorney to help you fight the charges.
DUIs are serious charges, and you may be scheduled to appear before a judge in a court of law in New Jersey. Which court you go to may depend on where you were issued the ticket. Our Absecon, NJ DUI and DWI defense lawyers will help you figure out which court your hearing is scheduled in.
You can present evidence to refute the claims made by the police officer or try to work out a plea deal with the prosecutor. They might reduce the charges, often in cases of minor violations, in exchange for pleading guilty and paying a fine. However, you must be mindful of how this might affect your license in your home state.
If you are successful and are not convicted of the DUI, you will not have to face penalties, and your license will remain intact.
Do I Have to Return to New Jersey if I Get a DUI There?
After being charged with a DUI, you might want nothing more than to return home. Unfortunately, dealing with DUI charges in New Jersey likely means you will eventually have to return to the state.
Since DUIs are serious charges, they must be heard in court in front of a judge. As such, you will likely have to come to court in New Jersey for the hearing. However, if returning to the state would impose an undue hardship, your attorney might be able to represent you in your absence. However, you must clear this with the court ahead of time.
Even if you do not want to fight the case and would rather plead guilty and move on, you would still probably have to return to New Jersey and appear in court. Judges do not accept guilty pleas in the defendant’s absence, and your appearance is likely mandatory.
Common Reasons Out-of-State Drivers Get DWIs or DUIs
Whether you spend a lot of time in New Jersey or are only passing through, traffic stops, DUIs, and DWIs are possible for everyone. Below are a few of the more common reasons why out-of-state drivers get DUIs in New Jersey.
The Jersey Shore is a popular vacation spot on the eastern shore, and lots of people come from all over for vacations. When on vacation, tourists might have a little too much fun at a party or a bar and try to drive home.
Many other people from other states who get DUIs are here on business. Maybe you are in town for just a few days, and you decide to have a few drinks with coworkers or clients. A couple of drinks might be all it takes to have a BAC necessary for a DUI.
You might not even be visiting New Jersey when you are pulled over. People often get pulled over when they are simply passing through a part of the state during their travels.
What to Do After Getting a DUI in New Jersey as an Out-of-State Driver
If you are from another state and get a DWI or DUI in New Jersey, your first step is to hire a lawyer and figure out what consequences you are facing.
Call a New Jersey lawyer to help you fight the DUI. If you are successful, you will not have to deal with any penalties from this state or your home state. Also, consider contacting the authorities in your state in charge of issuing driver’s licenses. They may shed light on what could happen to your license if you get a DUI in another state.
Speak to Our New Jersey DUI and DWI Defense Attorneys Now
Speak to our Cherry Hill, NJ DUI and DWI defense lawyers for a free case evaluation by calling the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (856) 281-9600.
