The New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Program has been established to provide education and treatment initiatives for motorists convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The IDP is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Officials have also set up the Driving Under the Influence Initiative fund to help New Jersey residents who meet the program’s eligibility requirements but lack the financial means to pay for treatment.
Evaluation
All people who hold New Jersey driver’s licenses are required to participate in the IDP following a DUI conviction. Offenders begin the process by reporting to an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for evaluation. During the evaluation, offenders complete a questionnaire, and substance abuse counselors determine what kind of education and treatment options are appropriate. It is important to take education and treatment seriously because an offender’s driving privileges are not restored until they have satisfied all of the IDP’s requirements.
Education and treatment
Offenders participate in the IDP education program immediately after being evaluated. They are given information on the impact that addiction has on health, driving ability and personal relationships. Once the education program is completed, offenders may be referred to substance abuse treatment programs that last for at least 16 weeks. Offenders may also be ordered to join self-help substance abuse groups and attend meetings for up to a year.
DUI defense
If you are charged with DUI in New Jersey, an experienced criminal defense attorney may explain the IDP requirements and the treatment options available. An attorney might also seek to have the charges against you dismissed if the police officer who pulled you over acted without probable cause or if the toxicology test that established your blood alcohol concentration was conducted improperly.