A DWI Charge in New Jersey Is Serious — But It's Not Over Yet
A DWI in New Jersey carries consequences far beyond a fine: license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, surcharges, and a record that can follow you for years. If you were recently charged in Gloucester County or anywhere in South Jersey, the decisions you make in the next few days matter. I'm William Sheehan, a DWI lawyer with 45 years of experience, and I want to help you understand exactly where you stand before you walk into that courtroom.
What a New Jersey DWI Actually Costs You
Most people are surprised by how quickly the consequences stack up. A first-offense DWI is not a traffic ticket — it's a quasi-criminal charge with mandatory penalties set by state law, and the financial and practical impact can last for years.
License Suspension / Ignition Interlock Device
Penalties can involve license suspension and/or installation of an ignition interlock device. Get counsel as soon as you can. Losing your license doesn't just mean inconvenience — for most people in Gloucester County, it means losing the ability to get to work.
Surcharges and Insurance Consequences
The Motor Vehicle Commission imposes annual surcharges of $1,000 per year for three years on a first DWI conviction — that's $3,000 on top of court fines and fees. Your auto insurance rates will also increase significantly, and some carriers will drop coverage entirely.
A Permanent Record
Unlike many traffic offenses, a DWI conviction in New Jersey cannot be expunged. It stays on your driving record and can be used against you in any future DWI proceeding, where penalties escalate sharply.
How I Approach DWI Defense in New Jersey
A charge is not a conviction. Many DWI stops involve procedural issues, equipment questions, or evidentiary gaps that can affect the outcome of your case. My job is to look at every element of how you were stopped, tested, and charged — before we decide how to proceed.
I review the arresting officer's basis for the traffic stop, the administration and calibration records of any breathalyzer equipment used, the field sobriety test conditions and instructions, and whether your rights were observed throughout the stop and arrest. These details matter, and they are worth examining carefully.
Why Timing Matters After a DWI Charge
There are short windows in New Jersey DWI cases that, once missed, cannot be recovered. Certain hearings must be requested promptly. Evidence — including dashcam footage and calibration records — needs to be preserved early. The sooner you have an attorney reviewing your case, the more options remain available to you.
If you were charged in Gloucester County, Woodbury, Deptford, Washington Township, or anywhere else in South Jersey, don't wait to see how things unfold on their own. The charge won't resolve itself in your favor.
Appearing in Municipal Court Across New Jersey
I handle DWI defense in Gloucester County municipal courts and throughout South Jersey. I'm also able to appear by Zoom in municipal courts statewide, which means geography isn't a barrier to getting experienced representation. Whether your court date is in Woodbury, Glassboro, or across the county, I can be there.
Why Clients Choose Me for DWI Defense
When you hire me, you work with me — not a paralegal, not a junior associate. I've been practicing law in New Jersey since 1979, and I've handled municipal court matters throughout my career. I know how these courts work, I know what defenses hold up, and I give every client a direct line to reach me when they have questions.
- 45 years of New Jersey legal experience
- Direct access to your attorney from day one
- Free initial consultation — no obligation to retain
- Flat-fee and affordable-rate options discussed upfront
- Zoom appearances available in municipal courts statewide
Common Coverage Questions
Answers Designed To Keep You Protected
What is the difference between a DWI and a DUI in New Jersey?
New Jersey uses the term DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in its statutes, but DUI (Driving Under the Influence) refers to the same offense. Both terms describe operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. There is no legal distinction between them in New Jersey — they are the same charge.Can a DWI be expunged from my record in New Jersey?
No. A DWI conviction in New Jersey is a traffic offense under the Motor Vehicle Code, not a criminal conviction, which means it is not eligible for expungement. It remains on your driving record permanently and can affect future charges and insurance rates.What happens if I refused the breathalyzer?
Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer in New Jersey triggers separate refusal charges under the implied consent law. Penalties for refusal can be as severe as those for a DWI conviction itself, including license suspension and surcharges. A refusal charge can be contested, and I can review the circumstances of your stop to assess your options.Do I need a lawyer for a first-offense DWI in Gloucester County?
Yes. Even a first offense carries mandatory penalties — suspension, surcharges, possible interlock requirements — and the outcome depends heavily on the specific facts of your stop and arrest. Having an attorney review the evidence before your court date is the most important step you can take. Immediate consultation is your best move.How soon should I contact a DWI attorney after being charged?
As soon as possible. Evidence has to be preserved, and there are procedural timelines that begin running immediately after your charge. The earlier I can review your case, the more options are available to you. I offer free initial consultations, so there's no cost to getting a professional assessment of where you stand.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI in New Jersey
Law office of WIlliam A. Sheehan
When you hire me, you work with me — not a paralegal, not a junior associate. I've been practicing law in New Jersey since 1979, and I've handled municipal court matters throughout my career. I know how these courts work, I know what defenses hold up, and I give every client a direct line to reach me when they have questions.
45 years of New Jersey legal experience
Direct access to your attorney from day one
Free initial consultation — no obligation to retain
Flat-fee and affordable-rate options discussed upfront
Zoom appearances available in municipal courts statewide
