Attorney Representing
Upstate New York Drivers

Penalties for driving under the influence in New York

On Behalf of | Oct 29, 2019 | Uncategorized |

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and it can bring serious penalties in New York. State laws deal harshly with individuals convicted of this type of crime, and penalties can range from everything from a steep fine to time behind bars. If you are facing a DWI charge, you will want to know what you are up against and how you can protect your interests.

The specific penalties you are facing will depend on things such as your criminal history, your blood alcohol content at the time of your arrest and other factors. An assessment of your case can help you see what a conviction could bring to your life and how you can fight back. The first step in a strong DWI defense is an understanding of the nature and potential consequences associated with the charges against you.

Types of DWI charges in New York

There are different types of DWI charges in New York. The charges against you depend on your BAC at the time of arrest. With exceptionally high BAC levels, the types of charges and the severity of penalties can increase as well. If a person has a BAC of .08% at the time of the traffic stop, the penalties are as follows:

  • First DWI – Fines will range from $500 to $1,000 and a maximum potential jail sentence of one year. License revocation will be for at least six months.
  • Second DWI – Fines will range from $1,000 to $5,000, and you may serve a maximum of four years behind bars. License revocation will last for at least one year.
  • Third DWI – Fines will range from $2,000 to $10,000, and you may serve a maximum jail sentence of seven years. License revocation will be for least one year.

These are just a few of the penalties you could face when dealing with a drunk driving charge. Depending on your criminal history and other factors, you would be facing exorbitant fines and penalties that could change the course of your life. You would be wise to take your case seriously and start working on a strong defense strategy as soon as possible.

It is possible to effectively confront the DWI charges against you. To learn more about the specific defense options available to you, it can be helpful to seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible after an arrest.

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