Is a New Jersey DWI conviction a crime?
No it is a motor vehicle violation. This is a very common question I am asked this question at least once a week. In New Jersey, DWI is classified as a motor vehicle violation even though most clients feel like criminals after being arrested (even by the most professional and courteous police officers). Some law in New Jersey refers to a NJ DWI as a quasi-criminal offense however, that classification has to be read in context. The charge is quasi-criminal to the extent that a DWI-Defendant is entitled to the same constitutional safeguards that Defendants facing crimes have. DWI in NJ is a motor vehicle violation, not a crime.
No – it is a motor vehicle violation. This is a very common question – I am asked this question at least once a week. In New Jersey, DWI is classified as a motor vehicle violation – even though most clients feel like criminals after being arrested (even by the most professional and courteous police officers). Some law in New Jersey refers to a NJ DWI as a “quasi-criminal” offense – however, that classification has to be read in context. The charge is “quasi-criminal” to the extent that a DWI-Defendant is entitled to the same constitutional safeguards that Defendants facing crimes have. DWI in NJ is a motor vehicle violation, not a crime.
