Interviewer: Are people calling it DUI or DWI when they call you?
Tom Chaves: In general DWI.
Alcohol Related DWI Cases are More Prevalent as Compared to Drug Related DWI
Interviewer: Probably, you get a lot more drug cases versus the alcohol ones?
Tom Chaves: No. I get a lot more of alcohol than under the influence of drugs.
Suspension of Driving License is a Major Cause of Concern for DWI Offenders
Interviewer: What are the things that most concern people about it when they call you for a DWI on the most?
Tom Chaves: People want to know how long their license is going to be suspended for if they’re found guilty.
There is No Hardship License in the State of New Jersey
Interviewer: Besides that, do they ask you about hardship licenses or work licenses?
Tom Chaves: In New Jersey, there is no hardship or limited license like to drive to and from work.
All Aspects of DWI Cases are Heard in the Municipal Courts
Interviewer: Is there an administrative hearing or is it just in the court system?
Tom Chaves: All DWI cases are heard in the municipal courts.
In New Jersey a DWI is Considered a Motor Vehicle Offense, Not a Crime
Interviewer: So, there’s no separate administrative non-criminal hearing for the license portion?
Tom Chaves: No. In New Jersey, DWI is motor vehicle offense as opposed to a crime.
A DWI Charge is Not to Be Taken Lightly in the State of New Jersey
Interviewer: Do people think it’s not a big deal because it’s not a crime?
Tom Chaves: No. Most people realize that it is very significant because losing one’s driving privileges is very significant for most people in a state where probably 90 per cent or more people need a car to get anywhere.
A BAC Reading of 0.15 or Above Results in Mandatory Installation of the Ignition Interlock Device
For example, people at a minimum will have substantially higher insurance premiums, there’s a good possibility that people will be terminated for renewal of their insurance policy because many insurance companies don’t renew people that have driving under the influence convictions. And if a blood alcohol reading is 0.15 percent or above, that’s a requirement of mandatory installation of the interlock device in the person’s vehicle.