First DWI Offense

Defending Against A Drunk Driving Charge

When you are pulled over for suspected DWI in New York, you will likely be asked by a police officer to complete field sobriety tests. An chemical test is likely to follow, the intention being to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). By state law, you may be cited for a first DWI offense if your BAC level is .08 percent or higher, though people under 21 and commercial drivers are subject to lower limits.

A first DWI conviction is a misdemeanor in New York City, and anyone who is found guilty may receive some hefty penalties. Fortunately, a driving while intoxicated arrest may not automatically result in a conviction. You have an opportunity to defend yourself against the charges that have been levied against you

Penalties For A First DWI Offense

DWI laws in New York City outline severe punishments for those convicted of drunk driving, even for a first DWI offense.

If you are found guilty of driving while intoxicated, you may face penalties that include:

• Fines and fees: You will be assessed a fine of no less that $500 and no more than $1,000. Additionally, you will be responsible for paying a mandatory conviction surcharge as well as the crime victim’s assistance fee.
• Jail time: You may be sentenced to a jail term of up to one year.
• License revocation: Your license may be revoked for a period ranging from a minimum of six months and up to one year.
• Installation of ignition interlock device (IID): As a condition of license reinstatement, you will be ordered to have an IID installed in your vehicle.
• DWI school: Another requirement to secure conditional driving privileges is participation in the Drinking Driver Program, a substance abuse rehabilitation initiative. You will be responsible for paying to participate in this program.

In addition to these penalties, people who are found guilty of drunk driving typically see auto insurance premiums rise dramatically. The overall long-term cost of such increases can be thousands of dollars. Additionally, some employers are reluctant to hire a person with a DWI conviction, potentially harming your career prospects. This effect can be even more severe in felony DWI offenses.
 

Fight The Charges Against You With Help Of A New York City Lawyer

Being charged with drunk driving can be a frightening experience. If this is your first DWI offense, you may have little idea of what to expect from the legal process. You might be unfamiliar with many of the steps required after an intoxicated driving arrest, as well as court procedures that will affect the outcome of your case.

That is where an experienced attorney can help. When you obtain the services of a lawyer, you’ll gain a trusted advocate who will watch out for your best interests throughout the course of the legal process. This person may be able to build a defense on your behalf — giving you the best chance of getting out of a DWI.