Drunk driving charges happen for all kinds of reasons. People underestimate how many drinks they’ve had, field sobriety tests yield false positives, simple misunderstandings occur — the list goes on. But regardless of why you’ve been charged with a DWI or DWAI, I’m on your side and ready to defend you in or out of the courtroom.
For more than 20 years, I’ve worked closely with the criminally accused here in southeast New York. Throughout that time, I’ve successfully defended my clients against all kinds of drunk driving charges, including first time DWI/DWAI, repeat DWI/DWAI offenses, extreme DWI, aggravated DWI, and vehicular homicide.
If you’re convicted of DWI, your driving privileges could be severely reduced or revoked altogether — leaving you unable to drive to work, school, or even the grocery store. In some cases, you may be able to continue driving if you install an ignition interlock device.
Although DWAI charges are penalized less severely than DWI charges, both offenses can result in fairly steep fines. How much you pay depends on your level of intoxication, your criminal history, and the defense you and your attorney present.
As if facing New York-priced fines isn’t enough, a DWI conviction can also lead to other costly penalties, like raised insurance premiums on your vehicle. How much your insurance rates change is determined at your insurance provider’s discretion.
As with any criminal offense, having a DWI conviction on your permanent record can affect more than just your home life. Employers can legally refuse to hire you based on a DWI or DWAI conviction alone.
On the more serious end of the penalty spectrum for DWI and DWAI: jail time. The best way to avoid this punishment is to effectively demonstrate that you aren’t a serious danger to yourself or others on the road.
Often, one of the best ways to show you’ve learned from your mistake (and thereby sidestep more serious penalties) is to attend alcohol classes or counseling. This helps New York courts trust that you won’t become a repeat offender for drunk driving.
DWI and DWAI are two offenses taken very seriously in the state of New York. However, it is my belief as a long-standing criminal defense attorney that one mistake or misunderstanding shouldn’t determine the rest of your life. That’s why I always give my clients the benefit of the doubt, as well as my unwavering and relentless support. To find out how I can help with your DWI or DWAI defense, please give me a call or fill out the contact form below.