DWI convictions can be brutal and follow you from state to state. The repercussions are vast and long-lasting so it is crucial that you obtain skilled representation during any drunk driving proceedings. Work with a Bergen County DWI attorney during your trial for sound legal advice.
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a crime across the country. Often referred to as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), it indicates the act of operating a motor vehicle while illegally impaired by drugs or alcohol. The use of drugs and alcohol can alter a person’s mind, inhibit their judgment, limit visibility, and cause them to behave in reckless ways that they otherwise would not. Driving while drunk or high is extremely dangerous and can result in an accident, injury, and death.
The Driver’s License Compact (DLC) is an agreement between most states of the United States of America. All states except Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin have signed this agreement to participate in interstate information exchange. Under this law, participating states will share information about various incidents including traffic violations committed by out-of-state drivers. The DLC helps states share driving records, meaning that when you are convicted of a DWI out-of-state, the information can be shared with your home state.
Yes, your DWI may follow you to another state. Generally speaking, whether or not a DWI conviction will follow you to other states depends on each state’s laws and participation in the Driver’s License Compact. The knowledge of your conviction will follow you to other states, but how it affects your ability to drive and function in the new environment is up to the individual state.
Because New Jersey is a member of the DLC, the government will notify all 49 other states if an individual is convicted of driving under the influence. If you are a resident of another state and get a DWI in NJ, you will lose your right to drive in New Jersey. The state will not revoke your license, only your right to operate a motor vehicle within state lines. You can also face penalties associated with an NJ DWI conviction. NJ will then notify your home state’s governing body, which will determine whether or not to take action against you as well. Your home state has the power to revoke or suspend your license.
If you move your DWI will also follow you. If your prior home state is a member of the DLC, your new state of residence will be made aware of your DWI conviction when you apply for or renew your driver’s license. Your new state’s DMV will generally review your driving record. Information about your DWI conviction can impact your insurance rates among other things.
Because a DWI conviction can have such drastic repercussions it is important that you hire a skilled attorney to represent you. Legal counsel is especially important when facing drunk driving charges in another state. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today for more information.
© 2024 The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway. All rights reserved.
