DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Bergen County, New Jersey
A DWI in Bergen County is a traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, not a criminal charge, carrying severe financial penalties of $10,000-$15,000+ for a first offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong DUI defense in Bergen County, focusing on Alcotest machine calibration and procedural errors. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
In New Jersey, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50. It is a traffic offense, not a criminal charge, for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of drugs. The case is heard in Municipal Court, not Superior Court. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of these unique New Jersey statutes.
Bergen County DWI Court Process and Defense Strategy
Bergen County Municipal Court handles all DWI cases. A critical New Jersey distinction is that DWI is a traffic offense, not a criminal charge. It does not appear on a criminal record. However, there is no right to a jury trial and plea bargaining is extremely limited. Defense often focuses on challenging the Alcotest 7110 breath test machine calibration, maintenance, and the mandatory 20-minute observation period prior to testing.
- Receive your DWI summons and complaint from the arresting police department.
- Your first court date is an arraignment at the Bergen County Municipal Court where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions may be filed to challenge evidence, such as breath test machine calibration logs.
- If no resolution, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a Municipal Court judge.
- If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately, including fines, license suspension, and IDRC requirements.
- You have 20 days to appeal a conviction to the Superior Court, Law Division, in Hackensack.
Penalties for DWI in Bergen County, New Jersey
In Bergen County, a first-offense DWI carries a license suspension of 3 to 12 months, up to 30 days in jail, fines from $250 to $500, and mandatory attendance at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense (BAC 0.08-0.10%) | Traffic Offense | Up to 30 days | $250-$400 | 3-month suspension | 12-48 hours IDRC |
| 1st Offense (BAC 0.10%+) | Traffic Offense | Up to 30 days | $300-$500 | 7-12 month suspension | 12-48 hours IDRC |
| 2nd Offense | Traffic Offense | 48 hours – 90 days | $500-$1,000 | 2-year suspension | 30 days community service, IDRC |
| 3rd Offense | Traffic Offense | 180 days | $1,000 | 10-year suspension | IDRC, potential vehicle forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Bergen County DWI Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. We understand that a DWI charge in New Jersey, while not criminal, carries severe financial and driving consequences. Our approach is to scrutinize every detail of the state’s case, from the traffic stop’s legality to the scientific reliability of breath test evidence.
Case Results and Client Representation
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our defense strategies for DWI charges focus on challenging the calibration and maintenance records of the Alcotest machine, the officer’s adherence to the 20-minute observation period, and the legality of the initial traffic stop.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County DUI Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts, including the Municipal Court in Hackensack. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We serve communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and Bergenfield.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: DWI in Bergen County
Is a DWI a criminal offense in Bergen County, New Jersey?
No. DWI in Bergen County is a traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, NOT a criminal charge. Heard in Municipal Court, not Superior Court. Does NOT appear on criminal record. However, there is no jury trial right, almost no plea bargaining, and financial penalties are severe.
How much does a DWI cost in Bergen County, New Jersey?
Total first-offense cost is approximately $10,000-$15,000+. This includes MVC surcharge ($1,000/year for 3 years), IDRC fee ($280), ignition interlock installation and monthly fees, insurance increases (~$1,500/year for 3 years), and attorney fees.
Can a DWI be expunged in New Jersey?
No. NJ DWI convictions cannot be expunged because DWI is a traffic offense. Expungement only applies to criminal records. However, a DWI does not appear on your criminal record. Defense focuses on technical challenges to the breath test and police procedure.
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI in New Jersey?
New Jersey law uses the term Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). There is no separate “DUI” charge. The offense is defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 for alcohol or drugs. You need a DUI defense attorney Bergen County who understands this specific statute.
Do I need an ignition interlock device for a first DWI in Bergen County?
Yes. For a first offense with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, or any refusal, an ignition interlock device is mandatory during and after the license suspension period. Installation costs approximately $100 plus $70-$100 per month.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing other charges, our firm provides full representation. You may need a criminal defense lawyer in Bergen County for drug or assault charges. For family matters, consider our divorce and family law lawyer in Bergen County. For other traffic matters, see our reckless driving lawyer in Bergen County page. For statewide information, visit our parent hub: New Jersey DUI/DWI Lawyer.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your DWI charge in Bergen County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.