Getting convicted of drunk driving is a scary and overwhelming experience. But what happens if you fail to meet the requirements that come with this conviction?
Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear and can even lead to more severe penalties. So, what can you do to avoid making a bad situation worse?
What happens after a drunk driving conviction?
If you received a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in New Jersey, you need to fulfill specific requirements from the court. These include attending the post-conviction intervention programs.
For instance, the court may sentence you to undergo a 12-hour program from the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). You must participate in educational workshops and undergo an “at-risk” screening in your county’s IDRC. Meanwhile, for repeat offenders, the court might impose jail time or mandate an inpatient addiction treatment program.
Failing to meet these requirements has serious consequences. First, you will receive a warning notice giving you ten business days to respond to the IDRC.
If you do not take action within those ten days, you will receive a non-compliance notification. You have 30 days to resolve the outstanding requirements from your sentencing court. The court may also order you to spend two days in jail during this period.
If you still fail to comply within 30 days, a judge may suspend your license indefinitely. This means you cannot legally drive until you meet all the conviction requirements.
The importance of experienced legal advice
Failing to meet the requirements of a DUI conviction can have crucial consequences that can affect your life for years to come. However, by taking proactive steps to comply, you can minimize the damage and start to try to get your life back on track.
That’s where an experienced lawyer can make all the difference. A lawyer can help explain your obligations, develop a plan to meet them and ensure you receive fair treatment.