If you are convicted of driving while impaired on a New Jersey highway, you may face a number of possible penalties. These may include the loss of driving privileges, spending time in jail and the need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you are an airline pilot, a DUI charge or conviction may result in the suspension or revocation of your pilot’s license.
You’ll need to report the incident
You will have 60 days to report a drunk driving incident to the Federal Aviation Administration. If you don’t do so, you may risk losing your pilot’s license on a temporary or permanent basis, and this may be true even if you are cleared of the impaired driving charge.
Your record matters
There are several factors that a judge will consider when determining your sentence if you’re found guilty of DUI. These factors may include the presence of a prior DUI conviction on your record. If you have been convicted of DUI in the past, you may have your charge upgraded to a felony or face enhanced penalties for your actions. You may also lose your pilot’s license if you were convicted of DUI in the past three years.
Possible defenses to a DUI charge
There are several possible defenses to a DUI charge that might help you avoid some or all potential penalties in your case. For instance, you may question the legitimacy of the traffic stop that led to being taken into custody. Generally speaking, an officer must have reasonable suspicion to believe that a crime has been committed by the driver. You may also cast doubt on the results of a field sobriety test or a chemical test used to justify charging you with impaired driving.
In addition to potentially losing your pilot’s license, there are other ways a DUI might harm your career. Notably, you may not be able to drive to work on your own, which may limit your ability to be a dependable employee.
