Sunday, November 30, 2014

Lenthy MVC suspension reverse JOSEPH J. CONSTANDI, JR., Appellant, v. NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION,

Lenthy MVC suspension reverse JOSEPH J. CONSTANDI, JR.,  Appellant,  v.  NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION,  Respondent.  
 October 22, 2014   Submitted September 9, 2014 — Decided  Before Judges Reisner and Higbee.  On appeal from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION  SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY APPELLATE DIVISION DOCKET NO. A-5832-12T4  Appellant Joseph J. Constandi, Jr. (Constandi) appeals from an Order of Suspension issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (the agency). After reviewing the facts and procedure followed in this matter, we find Constandi was entitled to a hearing to contest his suspension. We reverse and remand.
On October 15, 2012, Constandi was issued a ticket for speeding in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-98. He pled guilty to a violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.2, unsafe driving, under the mistaken belief that his plea would not result in any points on his driving record. Notwithstanding Constandi's belief, the offense carried a four point penalty. On May 2, 2013, Constandi was sent a Notice of Suspension, which stated his license would be suspended for 420 days because he had twelve or more points on his record. The notification also advised that he could accept the suspension or request a hearing.
Prior to the present violation, Constandi accumulated sixty points during a four decade span. More recently, his record has been less active. That information is memorialized in the attachment to the notification, which depicts his driving history from July 2009-May 2013. He received only two points in 2009 for speeding. He received zero points in 2010 or 2011; and in 2012, he received zero points and had three points deducted for safe driving. Relevant here, Constandi's record is without twelve points in a four year period. He received only six points in that time frame with a three point deduction. In light of his more recent driving history, we find that the notice of suspension was arbitrary and unsupported.
Specifically, N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8a, as cited in the notice, states that the director of the agency shall suspend a driver's license for no less than thirty days, and no more than 180 days when a person accumulates twelve or more points in a two year period. Likewise, N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8b allows the same suspension for accumulating over fifteen points in a period of greater than two years. In that light, there is no explanation for why Constandi's license was being suspended for 420 days. The record attached to the notice did not support a violation of N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8a.With regard to Constandi's cumulative lifetime points, although it was noted on the record, the notice makes no mention of the same, and does not state this as the reason for suspension.
After receipt of the suspension notice, Constandi filed a motion to vacate his plea in municipal court, and sent a copy of the motion to the agency with a written request for a hearing. Likewise, in a letter to the Commission dated July 2, 2013, Constandi's counsel requested discovery of his entire record, and further requested an opportunity to be heard. The written request noted that plaintiff's recollection did not match the attachment to the suspension notice.
In addition to those requests, counsel advised the agency his client had two school age children involved in sports teams, and when Constandi's license was suspended, his children would not be able to get to their athletic activities. He also advised that Constandi had been unemployed for several months, and now was working, but reported he would lose his job if he could not drive.
In response to Constandi's plea withdrawal and request for a hearing, the agency issued a second notice of suspension on June 13, 2013. This notice again stated the reason for suspension was "because you have 12 or more points on your driving record." Without explanation, and again citing N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8 as authority, this notice reduced the suspension from 420 days to 390 days. We note, this suspension was still more than double the maximum time allowed under the statute. The notice again advised of the right to a hearing.
On June 14, 2013, Constandi's counsel sent a letter to the agency that probably crossed in the mail with the notice dated June 13 from the agency to Constandi. In this letter, counsel advised the agency that Constandi had been allowed to withdraw his plea to unsafe driving, and he instead had pled to a two point speeding violation. The letter said plaintiff and counsel were waiting for a date for a suspension hearing.
On July 20, 2013, the agency replied sending a letter to counsel which was just as confusing as the prior notices had been. In this letter, the agency told plaintiff that no pre-hearing conference was necessary for the May 26, 2013 notice. The letter stated that since the violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 (Unsafe Operation of Motor Vehicle) was amended to 39:4-98 (Speeding), the May notice no longer had any effect; the letter further stated that "as a result, your client's total point accumulation is below the 12 point threshold." This is immaterial because the record attached to both notices does not show that even the original four point violation would have exceeded the twelve point limit in less than two years. The number twelve is not relevant to the total point accumulation portion of the statute. The letter did advise plaintiff that he will be notified of a pre-hearing conference date.
On July 2, 2013, counsel for Constandi requested a hearing in writing for the third time and a complete copy of his client's driving record which he had not been given. Additionally, counsel indicated he wanted to present the personal problem issues to a hearing examiner, and question the contents of the record. Eight days later, on July 10, 2013, with no response to counsel's request for a copy of the records relied upon by the agency and no hearing having been held, the agency issued an Order of Suspension and a Denial of Hearing Request/Final Decision signed by the Chairman of the agency.
The final order for the first time stated that Constandi's driving license was being suspended because the two point speeding ticket caused his total point accumulation to be fifty-eight points in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8b.The order denied a hearing because "no material facts or legal issues are in dispute" and the request for a hearing was based merely on "personal hardship." The order further stated that based on his driving record and mitigating circumstances, the suspension was being reduced from 390 days to 150 days. Finally, the order also noted that "suspension of your driving privilege is intended to be rehabilitative rather than punitive."
Appellate review of an administrative agency's action is limited. On appeal, we are required to give deference to agency decisions, but not where they are arbitrary, capricious or contrary to law. Circus Liquors Inc. v. Governing Body of Middletown Twp.199 N.J. 19, 27 (2007); In re Carter191 N.J. 474, 482 (2007).
It is well-settled that without a "clear showing" that it is arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or that it lacks fair support in the record, an administrative agency's final quasi-judicial decision should be sustained, regardless of whether a reviewing court would have reached a different conclusion in the first instance. In re Herrman192 N.J. 19, 27 (2007). The New Jersey Supreme Court has explained that arbitrary and capricious means "willful and unreasonable action, without consideration and in disregard of the circumstances." Worthington v. Fauver88 N.J. 183, 204-05 (1982).
Based on this deferential standard courts have accorded a presumption of validity and reasonableness to agency action, therefore placing the burden on the challenger to overcome this presumption. Bergen Pines Hosp. v. Department of Human Serv.96 N.J. 456, 477 (1984). In this case, plaintiff has met his burden.
Here, we agree with plaintiff that a response to his discovery request should have been provided. If he was suspended based on points over his entire record, a copy of his entire record should have been attached to the notice, not just his record for the prior four years. The limited attachment did not contain sufficient evidence to even support a suspension.
The agency's actions in suspending Constandi's license for 150 days without a hearing was arbitrary, capricious and in violation of the law. Constandi was entitled to be advised of the specific reason for his suspension. Constandi was not advised of the actual reason for his suspension until he received the final order. The denial of a hearing was in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8c which gives the licensee the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge to evaluate the appropriateness of a suspension in excess of thirty days, and allows relevant evidence which would include a personal hardships to be considered on the length of a suspension in excess of thirty days.
Specifically, N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.8 states a suspension shall become effective unless the licensee notifies the director in writing of his intention to personally appear at a hearing to challenge the suspension. The statute further states:
The administrative law judge presiding at a hearing held pursuant to this section shall only consider evidence of the actual number of points assessed and the period of time during which such points were accumulated, taking into consideration any point reduction credits earned by the licensee, in issuing a suspension. He may consider other relevant evidence in considering the appropriateness of any portion of a suspension issued in excess of 30 days.

It was arbitrary to dismiss plaintiff's three written requests for a hearing. It was arbitrary and violated the applicable law to initially impose suspensions far in excess of the maximum time allowed by law. It was arbitrary to not provide plaintiff with a complete copy of his record, or advise him of how he could obtain it.
Constandi has a right to a hearing before any suspension in excess of thirty days is imposed. At that hearing, the administrative law judge can consider the time frames involved, the number of violations and points, the claimed hardship, the nature of the violations, and all relevant facts as allowed by the statute to the issue of the appropriateness of a suspension in excess of thirty days.
Reversed and remanded.

Friday, November 28, 2014

DWI Fines and Penalties in NJ

DWI  Fines and Penalties in NJ
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI)
A person who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above is considered to be driving under the influence. A person may also be found to be driving under the influence through officer observation or other evidence.
First Offense - BAC 0.08% but less than 0.10% or no reading
• 3 months driving privilege suspension
• $250-$400 fine
• 12-48 hours at intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC) • Maximum 30 days imprisonment

$230 IDRC fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
plus court costs
First Offense - BAC 0.10% or higher
• 7 months to 1 year driving privilege suspension • $300-$500 fine • 12-48 hours IDRC
• 30 days maximum imprisonment*

$230 IDRC fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
plus court costs
Car Interlock Machine: First Offense, DWI w/BAC level below 0.15% or no reading, Court may impose
• 6 months – 1-year installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges
First Offense, DUI w/BAC level 0.15% or above and 1st refusal convictions, Court shall impose

• installation of interlock device required during the term of suspension and
• 6 months - 1 year installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges


   In addition to the court imposed fines and penalties, anyone convicted of DUI or chemical test refusal is subject to:
• an insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years ($3,000) for the first and second conviction within a three- year period.
Plus 9 points on your car insurance

Second Offense DWI
• 2 years driving privilege suspension • $500-$1,000 fine
• 30 days community service
• 12-48 hours IDRC

• 48 hours - 90 days imprisonment*
$280 IDRC* fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF*
$1,000/year (for 3 years) surcharge
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund Plus 9 points on your car insurance

Third Offense
• 10 years driving privilege suspension
• $1,000 fine
• 90 days maximum community service
• 12-48 hours IDRC • 180 days imprisonment*

$280 IDRC* fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF*
$1,500/year (for 3 years) surcharge
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund Plus 9 points on your car insurance

Refusal of Breath Test:
First Offense
• 7 months to 1 year driving privilege suspension • $300-$500 fine • 12 hours minimum IDRC , plus most other penalties as first offense dwi
Second Offense
• 2 years driving privilege suspension •$500-$1,000fine •12hoursminimumIDRC , plus most other penalties as first offense DWI
Third and Subsequent Offenses
• 10 years driving privilege suspension
• $1,000 fine • 12 hours minimum IDRC , plus most other penalties as first offense dwi except no jail

DUI in School Zone or School Crossing
School Zone DWI
First Offense
• 12-24 months driving privilege suspension • $500-$800 fine • 60 days imprisonment
Second Offense
• 48 months minimum driving privilege suspension • $1,000-$2,000 fine
• 60 days community service
• 96 hours-180 days imprisonment*

Third Offense
• 20 years driving privilege suspension
• $2,000 fine • 180 days imprisonment

Test in School Zone or Crossing
Refusal IN SCHOOL ZONE
First Offense
• 1 to 2 years driving privilege suspension •$600-$1,000fine •12hoursminimumIDRC
Second Offense
• 4 years driving privilege suspension • $1,000-$2,000 fine • 12 hours minimum IDRC
Third and Subsequent Offenses
• 20 years driving privilege suspension
• $2,000 fine • 12 hours minimum IDRC

For persons under 21 (the legal age in NJ to purchase an alcoholic beverage) who consume an alcoholic beverage, then drive a vehicle when their BAC is 0.01% or more, but less than 0.08%, the penalties are:
Minimum
• 30-90 day driving privilege suspension if currently licensed; or • 30-90 day prohibition from becoming a licensed driver at age 17 years; and,
• 15-30 days mandatory community service; and

participation in an IDRC or other alcohol education; and completion of a highway safety program or
• a combination of the minimum sentences above and DUI sentences (see schedule)
Maximum
• DUI sentences (see schedule). If the BAC is 0.08% or higher, underage persons will receive DUI sentences as noted.
C
Car interlock machine requirements: The courts will require DUI and refusal offenders to install an ignition interlock device based on the number of past offenses. To operate the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device and also submit to random rolling tests while in operation. The vehicle will not start if the driver’s BAC level exceeds 0.05%.
First Offense, DUI w/BAC level below 0.15%, Court may impose
• 6 months – 1 year installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges
First Offense, DUI w/BAC level 0.15% or above and 1st refusal convictions, Court must require:   

• installation of interlock device required during the term of suspension and
• 6 months - 1 year installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges
Second, Third & Subsequent Offenses for DUI and refusal convictions, Court shall impose

• installation of interlock device required during the term of suspension and
• 1 - 3 years installation of interlock device after restoration of driving privileges
Offenses that occurred after Jan 15, 2010 are no longer subject to suspension of registration privileges in lieu of interlock installation.
Failure to have an interlock device installed when ordered by a judge could result in an additional one year driving privileges suspension.
Mandatory Surcharges $$$$:
In In addition to the court imposed fines and penalties, anyone convicted of DUI or chemical test refusal is subject to:
• an insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years ($3,000) for the first and second conviction within a three- year period.
• an insurance surcharge of $1,500 a year for three years ($4,500) for a third offense within a three-year period.
• a single $100 DUI enforcement surcharge that must be paid to the court with the required fine upon conviction.
The surcharges will be imposed on a New Jersey or an out- of-state conviction. Failure to pay the surcharge will result in indefinite suspension of all driving privileges and the filing of a judgment against any personal property.
  No work DL or Conditional license
     New Jersey does not have conditional or special work licenses. If a motorist does not have a valid driver license, or if a driving privilege is suspended for drunk driving or any other violation, a motorist may not drive for any reason until that privilege is restored.
  Related Offenses

Driving or riding with an open container

Offense
Fines
  Community service
  1st
  $200
  –
  2nd
  $250
  10 days


Driving with a DUI suspension

License loss
Fines or surcharges
Prison term
Additional
 1–2 years
$500 fine
$250/year (for 3 years) surcharge
  10–90 days


Driving while possessing drugs

License loss
Fines or surcharges
  2 years
  Minimum $50 fine


Driving while possessing drugs

License loss
Fines or surcharges
  2 years
  Minimum $50 fine

Notes:
         *IDRC - Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
         *AERF - Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
         Underage drinking may cause a six-month delay in getting a license
         Alcohol and drug-related offenses require completion of an alcohol screening and evaluation program

Failure to pay DUI surcharges will result in
         Indefinite suspension of driving privileges
                  Action filed in State Superior Court by MVC. This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other similar action
   Other point and surcharge issues: Motorists who incur six or more motor vehicle points are also subject to an insurance surcharge of $150 for six points and $25 for each additional point. The point surcharge will remain in effect as long as a motorist has six or more points on their record for the immediate three-year period. MVC will suspend all driving privileges indefinitely and take judgment action if the surcharge is not paid. Other violations subject to a surcharge are:
• driving while unlicensed $100
• driving while suspended $250/Court or MVC imposed • failing to insure a MOPED $100
• operating an uninsured vehicle $250

24-Hour
Telephone Information and Assistance

For License Suspensions and Restorations
(609) 292-7500
For General Customer Information
(888) 486-3339 toll free in NJ (609) 292-6500 from out of state
Ignition interlock device
         If your license was suspended for a DUI offense, the court may require you to get an ignition interlock device to prevent a vehicle from starting if your BAC exceeds 0.05%.

Ignition interlock device requirements
            First DUI offense: Installation of interlock device for six months to one year upon restoration (judge's discretion); BAC 0.15% or greater requires mandatory installation of ignition interlock device during license suspension and for 6 months to 1 year following restoration
            Second DUI offense: Mandatory installation of interlock device during license suspension and for 1 to 3 years following restoration
            Third DUI offense: Mandatory installation of interlock device during license suspension and for 1 to 3 years following restoration
If the court sentences you to get an interlock device, you will receive a notice of suspension from MVC with instructions on how to obtain the device. IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to have an ignition interlock installed when ordered by a judge could result in an additional one year driving privilege suspension.

Approved list of ignition interlock manufacturers
Ignition interlock manufacturers have installation locations throughout New Jersey. When selecting an ignition interlock provider, consider the installation and monitoring fees and installation center site convenience.
Company
Contact/Website

Alcohol Detection Systems
1718 Belmont Avenue Suite E
Baltimore, MD 21244
1-888-STOP-DUI (888-786-7384)
Guardian Interlock Systems
228 Church St.
Marietta, GA 30060
(800) 499-0994
Best Labs
7301 West Blvd Suite A1
Boardman, OH 44512
(800) 219-9936
Intoxalock
10520 Hickman Road Ste F
Des Moines ,IA 50325
(877) 777-5020
1A Smart Start, Inc.
4950 Plaza Drive
Irving,TX 75063
(800) 880-3394
Draeger Safety Diagnostics
4040 W Royal Lane Suite 136
Irving, TX 75063
(856) 753- 9700
(800) 970-1002
LifeSafer
4290 Glendale Milford Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242-3704
(800) 475-7151
MVC Ignition Interlock Device FAQs
When I resided in New Jersey, I was issued a DUI but have since moved to another state. I was told by the ignition interlock companies in the state where I now live that I am not required to have the device installed on any vehicle. Is this true? What should I do?
No, this is not true. Installation of the interlock device is a condition for having your license restored in New Jersey. Your privilege is suspended in New Jersey and will remain suspended until you have satisfied all requirements for restoration. An interlock device needs to be placed on any vehicle you operate in order for you to be restored. Failure to do so will keep you suspended in NJ, which may prevent your new state from issuing you a license. In order to comply with the interlock limitation requirements while living in your current location, we suggest that you check the MVC website for a list of manufacturer’s. Call each of the manufacturers to find out which of them does business at a location near you. Go to that location with your letter from the MVC and have the device installed on a vehicle. Once the device is installed, mail copies of any receipt and other documentation that you receive from the installer to Motor Vehicle Commission, Driver Management Bureau, PO Box 134, Trenton, NJ, 08650, Attention: Interlock Compliance.
I am a student and currently do not own or operate a vehicle. What should I do?
If you do not plan to operate any vehicles following your suspension term, you may obtain a non-driver ID by presenting 6 Points of Identification at any Motor Vehicle Agency. In order to restore your driving privileges, you will need to provide the MVC with a service invoice and a certification of interlock installation to prove installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you will be operating. The vehicle does not need to belong to you.
What happens if I don’t have the interlock device installed on a vehicle?
Failure to install a court ordered ignition interlock device a vehicle you operate may result in an additional one year driving privilege suspension.
I called the MVC’s 7500 phone line and was told there is an entry saying “Interlock Limitation during Suspension,” which means I have to have an interlock device on my vehicle during my suspension time. Is this true?
Yes. As required by New Jersey statute, a judge may order an interlock limitation during and after the suspension term.
Last Updated: 08/05/2014
I have two interlock suspensions on my record from two different DWI suspensions. One is for one hundred eighty days (180) and the second is for seven hundred thirty (730) days. How much time am I required to keep the interlock device on my vehicle?
If both interlock terms are sent in as consecutive terms you will serve the combined term, ex; nine hundred ten days (910). If one or both are concurrent the maximum term is how long the interlock device will remain on your vehicle.
Can I have the suspension order changed if I don’t have a vehicle to put the interlock device on?
The MVC does not have the authority to modify a court order. You were sentenced to the interlock installation in accordance with the statutes of the State of New Jersey. The interlock device must be installed on every vehicle you intend to operate. If you do not have access to or plan to operate any vehicle, it is not necessary to restore your New Jersey driving privilege.
What happens if I have the interlock device removed before my interlock requirement time is over? For example, my vehicle was totaled in an accident or if was impounded or sold?
You must have the interlock device removed from your vehicle and return the unit to your interlock provider. The interlock provider will then notify the MVC that the device was removed. The MVC will send you a letter explaining that your driving privilege will be suspended until you provide another interlock certificate as proof that an interlock device has been installed on a vehicle. The vehicle that you have an interlock device installed on must be the vehicle that you will principally operate during the term of the court order. You may not legally operate any vehicle without an interlock device installed for the entire term of the court order.
Can I have an interlock device installed on my motorcycle?
No. None of our approved installers provide interlock devices for motorcycles.
What happens if I cannot operate the interlock device due to a medical condition?
You must contact your physician and get a detailed note explaining your condition and why you are unable operate the interlock device. Then present the note to you interlock manufacturer who will forward the note to MVC for consideration.
Last Updated: 08/05/2014
I have met all my other restoration requirements except certifying that the ignition interlock requirement has been installed. What is my next step?
After the approved ignition interlock device has been installed, you will receive a Certificate of Installation of an approved ignition interlock device. You must present the Certificate along with the installation work order in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission Full Service Agency.
Last Updated: 08/05/2014