cjekop83

Hi,

can any one give me advice. I was arrested and charged with DWI and as an Unlicensed driver whilst on vacation in NJ.

I have a court date for this week but my passport is in DC getting renewed as I am currently traveling and the US was a longer stop so it made sense to renew now before carrying on.

Does any one know the likely out come of the court appearance?

Any help would be great

Duncan Roberts

If it's legit and depending on how impaired you were. For a first time, probably a hefty fine for the combo plus classes that you pay for and other payments for various things, maybe all in all around $1000 or so. A ban on driving in NJ. If you are unlucky you could be facing a few months of jail time. Does beg the question, what were you thinking? though.

Tracym

Could depend how over the limit you were. And I'm wondering - didn't you have UK license? so why "unlicensed driver"?

You might consider an attorney, we have attorneys that specialize in DUI.

Manc

I didn't think you could renew your passport in Washington unless you were a resident here.

Patrick Hasler

I renewed mine before I became a legal resident

lapin_windstar

It doesn't explicitly say that here: http://www.britainusa.com/sections/a...=41001&a=25302
IMO (and that's not necessarily relevant), it's none of the UK government's business what my immigration status is here.

"didn't you have UK license? so why "unlicensed driver"?"

Maybe he'd been a resident of NJ long enough that he was supposed to have an NJ one? Or didn't have the card with him? Or a thick cop?

Thydney

Sorry but I've no sympathy. If you were drink driving I hope they bang you up and then throw you out

fatbrit

If you want a total guess, $1k for the dwi and $1k for the no license. Many jurisdictions hav a couple of day in jail and/or community service for the DWI.

Jerseygirl

Englishmum

So if you were or are still on vacation in the NJ, are you still living in the UK and you are going directly to other countries after visiting the USA?

Were you stopped in a hire car which you rented using a British driving licence, or were you driving a friend's car? Your car rental papers should have dates and your licence details.

Anyone resident in NJ needs to exchange their current licence (US or an overseas licence) to a NJ within 60 days. How long have you been on vacation here? Can you prove it eg. on your I-94 (if you haven't sent it to the British Embassy with your passport).

Some links to the NJ Dept of Motor Vehicles......including for violations:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/Visitors.htm (Foreign Tourists)

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Vehicle/m.../license01.htm (Anyone resident for more than 60 days)

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/...n-Citizens.htm (How non-US citizens can obtain a NJ licence)

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Violations/index.htm (Violations)

Also I have no sympathy for drink-drivers....

RoadWarriorFromLP

I am not a proponent of driving drunk or of driving without a license, but you need an attorney who specializes in drunk driving cases, and who has experience and connections in the court where your case will be heard.

I don't know New Jersey law, but a first-time DUI in the US often includes a fine and/or some sort of community service. Driving without a license often involves a fine and some restrictions on getting one in the future.

Not having a lawyer generally makes things much worse, but you need to be sure to get a competent lawyer who knows this area of the law AND who knows the judges so you know what to expect. Your best hope is that they are golfing buddies or that the lawyer otherwise has some rapport with the judge so that your case is more likely to get the most favorable outcome possible, which I guess includes paying a big fine and "time served" (no additional jail time above and beyond what you received when you were arrested.)

And no, don't ever do it again. Killing or maiming someone just because you didn't want to pay for a taxi is one of most stupid things a human being could possibly do.

penguinsix

You need a lawyer, unless you are just willing to pay the fine. Both offenses are much more severe than say speeding. Maybe others can answer how this will affect your future use of the Visa Waiver Program or whether you'll need to get a visa to come back to the US in the future.

tamms_1965

Even USC almost ALWAYS have an attorney for a DUI/DWI...it will cost you but it's the price you pay for drinking/driving.

Englishmum

Interesting that no further posts have been made here by the O/P.

I guess he/she had replies that he/she didn't want to hear....

NannyAnn

Hi,
Just a quick question on the 60 days thing... I have just moved to NJ from the uk with a UK license and an International Driving permit. I was under the impression I had 12 months to do the test and get a NJ license - is this wrong? It seems I may have to do this a lot sooner.

Thanks,
Ann