Charged with DUI in NJ, NY License Can anyone share their experience?

Hi, I'm not sure if you will see this, but I am from NJ and got a DWI in NY, which in NY, a DWI is a misdemeanor... in NJ, a DWI is just a traffic violation. Because NY and NJ are reciprocals, NY reported my conviction to NJ and NJ suspended my license for seven months (apparently the minimum in NJ, so I don't know how you only got 90 days, unless you blew below .10) and NY suspended it for 90 days. For me, NY's suspension was retroactive and you could get a conditional in NY which was not possible in NJ. NJ also makes you pay $1000/yr for three years so be prepared for that and of course the restoration fees on top of your NJ court fees and whatever NY fees you (I think it's $750). I had to go to classes in NY and take the NJ IDRC class. The NJ IDRC class is easier because it's just two full days (8-3) of talking about alcohol and it's effects and watching films and you're without your phone in a house or building with a bunch of other people. I did the NY classes before even getting convicted to help my case but to be honest, I'm not sure it even helped. Basically I didn't drink alcohol for 7 months, went to classes twice a week, got tested here and there and then "graduated" after completing all my requirements. I didn't have to take anymore classes in NY after doing that. For the NJ class, which costs about $300, they also make you fill out a document which asks you a bunch of questions and asks you to be honest. It's basically an evaluation. If they feel you need to see someone, they'll send you to a counselor. You'll have to pay to see this counselor, I think they said it was like $100 or something, I don't remember. Then the counselor will decide if you need to go to a separate facility, which will cost thousands if you don't have some good insurance.

After you wait the appropriate amount of time to get your license back and you've paid all your fees, you have to get the ignition interlock device installed. The installation is about $100 and then you pay about $90/mo for it and I think you need it for at least six months. They will not give you your license back unless you get the ignition interlock. This is not something I was aware of having to do because I got my DWI in NY and hadn't heard this from the court or anyone from NJDMV or my probation officer but that's what the counselors at that IDRC (NJ class) said.

Basically, I got screwed by both NY with the conviction and NJ with the fines. It's safe to say that I already felt like a complete jackass when the arrest originally happened, but it's been over a year since then and now I still feel totally hopeless sometimes and wish I could go back in time. I will never drive after drinking again.

Save up money, try not to beat yourself up, and do whatever it takes so that you can come out of this a better and stronger person.

/r/dui Thread