[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/multiple-dwis-need-know-step-provisions\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/multiple-dwis-need-know-step-provisions\/","headline":"Multiple DWIs? You Need to Know about Step-Down Provisions","name":"Multiple DWIs? You Need to Know about Step-Down Provisions","description":"Have you heard about New Jersey\u2019s step-down provisions as they apply to DWI cases? \u00a0For some, it might seem like a source of relief. \u00a0If you live in New Jersey and are facing a second or third DWI conviction, you have reason to be worried. \u00a0After all, you already know the inconvenience and expense you… Continue reading Multiple DWIs? You Need to Know about Step-Down Provisions<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2017-11-06","dateModified":"2024-07-29","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/author\/dmlawyer\/#Person","name":"Dan T. Matrafajlo","url":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/author\/dmlawyer\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4cd7921c278b5fce01aa11ff8757760e046d90270e00964f697cbd173dee30a0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4cd7921c278b5fce01aa11ff8757760e046d90270e00964f697cbd173dee30a0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys Law LLC.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/logo.png","width":366,"height":74}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/banner.jpg","url":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/banner.jpg","height":1067,"width":1600},"url":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/multiple-dwis-need-know-step-provisions\/","about":["DWI"],"wordCount":518,"keywords":["Driving While Intoxicated","DWI Cases"],"articleBody":"Have you heard about New Jersey\u2019s step-down provisions as they apply to DWI cases? \u00a0For some, it might seem like a source of relief. \u00a0If you live in New Jersey and are facing a second or third DWI conviction, you have reason to be worried. \u00a0After all, you already know the inconvenience and expense you went through the first time.All things considered, what you are experiencing is a perfectly natural feeling given the state\u2019s increasingly harsh and restrictive penalties for driving under the influence. \u00a0However, you may feel a bit of weight off shoulders when you read about step-down provisions.As you already know, the penalties for any DWI offense will undoubtedly include hefty fines and temporary loss of driving privileges. By the same token, repeat offenders should also be concerned with the prospect of jail time and even permanent license revocation.Add to that one other consideration. The severity of the first offense is contingent upon the driver\u2019s blood-alcohol level. \u00a0Consequently, tougher sentences were already handed down for drivers with blood-alcohol levels of .10 or higher. \u00a0So, what happens to repeat offenders?What the Step-Down Provision Means to YouIn the first place, it\u2019s crucial to understand who may be affected by New Jersey\u2019s step-down provisions. \u00a0The law applies to drivers who have had ten years or more between DWI convictions. \u00a0Step-down provisions are specifically addressed at NJSA 39:4-50(a)(3) and are used to guide the municipal judge when considering sentencing for drunk driving offenses. \u00a0Here are some things you can take from this portion of the law:Second DWI offense: \u00a0If it occurs more than ten years after the first, the court must impose the sentence for a first offense.Third Driving While Intoxicated offense: \u00a0If it transpires more than a decade after the second, you could get a bit of a break. \u00a0It is then treated as a second offense. Specifically, the Court must treat the defendant as though he has one less prior conviction when calculating the sentence for the most recent DWI.Meanwhile, you should know that these same provisions apply if you have decided to refuse to take a breathalyzer test after being pulled over. While these rules may help in certain circumstances, an attorney with experience in defending DWI charges can explain them in more detail.Experienced Legal Help When Faced with DWI ChargesWithout question, you already know that a DWI conviction can seriously derail your life. \u00a0More than likely, you will be concerned about the penalties you are now facing. \u00a0\u00a0Whether you feel you\u2019re being justly charged or not, you need experienced legal representation. \u00a0Otherwise, you could seriously compromise your ability to work, get around and provide for your family.If you\u2019re facing a DWI conviction in New Jersey, whether it\u2019s your first second, or third, you can\u2019t afford to leave anything to chance. The attorneys at Beninato and Matrafajlo will help you fight to minimize penalty. Contact us today to learn what penalties you may be facing if convicted. \u00a0We look forward to providing you with experienced legal advice."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Multiple DWIs? You Need to Know about Step-Down Provisions","item":"https:\/\/staging-dmlawyer2.wordkeeper.net\/multiple-dwis-need-know-step-provisions\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]