Driver's License Increased Penalties for Driving in School Zone while intoxicated or suspended N.J.S. 39:3-40, N.J.S. 39:4-50

Kenneth Vercammen's Law office represents individuals charged with criminal and serious traffic violations throughout New Jersey. N.J.S. 39:3-40 (f) Increases penalties for persons driving while suspended under certain circumstances: (a) on or within 1000 feet of school property (May use 2C:39-7 drugs); or (b) driving through a school crossing as designated by the municipality by ordinance or resolution; or (c) driving through an "undesignated" school crossing knowing that children are present. It shall be no defense to a prosecution under (a) or (b) that the defendant was unaware of the existence of the school zone/crossing or that no juveniles were present at the time or that school was not in session. The new penalties are as follows: License suspension 1-2 years commencing, upon completion of any prison sentence, $500 fine and; 1st offense: imprisonment 60-90 days 2nd offense: imprisonment 120-150 days 3rd and subsequent offense: imprisonment 180 days D.W.I. N.J.S. 39:4-50 (g) Increases penalties for persons driving while intoxicated when the violation occurs: (a) on or within 1000 feet of school property (May use 2C:39-7 drug maps); or (b) driving through a school crossing as designated by the municipality by ordinance or resolution; or (c) driving through and "undesignated" school crossing knowing t that children are present. It shall be no defense to a prosecution under (a) or (b) that the defendant was unaware of the existence of the school zone/crossing or that no juveniles were present at the time or that school was not in session. The new penalties are as follows: 1st offense: fine $500-$800 imprisonment maximum 60 days driver's license suspension 1-2 years 2nd offense: fine $1000-$2000 imprisonment 96 hours mandatory up to 180 days (which may be reduced by up to 90 days by community service). community service 60 days driver's license suspension minimum 2 years 3rd offense: fine $2000 imprisonment 180 days driver's license suspension 20 years (to commence upon completion of prison term). REFUSAL N.J.S. 39:4-50.4a Increases penalties when the offense occurs: (a) on or within 1000 feet of school property (May use 2C:39-7 drug maps); or (b) driving through a school crossing as designated by the municipality by ordinance or resolution; or (c) driving through an "undesignated" school crossing knowing that children are present. It shall be no defense to a prosecution under (a) or (b) that the defendant was unaware of the existence of the school zone/crossing or that no juveniles were present at the time or that school was not in session. The new penalties are as follows: Fine $500-$1000 and; 1st offense driver's license suspension - 1 year; 2nd offense driver's license suspension - 4 years; 3rd offense driver's license suspension - 20 years. more info at http://www.njlaws.com/school_zone_penalties.htm