If you are charged with drunk driving or driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs in New York, you face harsh penalties including large fines, possible jail/prison time, and the prolonged loss of your license. These strict consequences are meant to not only punish the guilty, but also to discourage others from endangering their own lives and the lives of innocent motorists.
Attorney Thomas W. Ryan has more than 40 years of experience defending clients against DWI/DUI charges. Thanks to his in-depth knowledge and extensive experience, he can prepare and develop an altogether strong defense against charges of Driving While Ability Impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination (DWAI, DWAI-D or DWAI-C), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), aggravated DWI or Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
The following is a concise statement of New York DWI/DWAI penalties:
First DWAI – .05 to .07 blood alcohol content (BAC) can mean up to $500 in fines, 15 days in jail and a license suspension for 3 months
Second DWAI (within 5 years) – up to $750 in fines, 30 days in jail and a revoked license for at least six months
First DWI or DWAI-D – .08 BAC or higher can mean up to $1,000 in fines, a year in jail and a revoked license for six months
Second DWI or DWAI-D (within 10 years) – up to $5,000 in fines, four years in jail and a revoked license for at least one year
Third DWI or DWAI-D (within 10 years) – up to $10,000 in fines, seven years in jail and a revoked license for at least one year
First Aggravated DWI – .18 BAC or higher carries up to a $2,500 fine, one year in jail and a revoked license for at least one year
Second Aggravated DWI (within 10 years)- up to a $2,500 fine, four years in jail and a revoked license for at least 18 months
Third Aggravated DWI (within 10 years)- up to a $10,000 fine, seven years in jail and a license revocation of at least 18 months
Out of State DUI – can result in a suspended license up to a year depending on your age
In addition to these criminal sanctions, there are also numerous DMV sanctions you must complete and various charges you must pay before getting your license back. For example, New York will levy what’s called a driver responsibility assessment of at least $250 a year for three years.
Avoid DWI DUI Penalties, Find Skilled Representation
Other drunk driving consequences can include having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, $300+ in civil penalties, completion of a rehabilitation program, and a suspended license for up to a year under the Zero Tolerance Law. Even refusal to take chemical tests can result in hundreds of dollars in fines and a revoked license.
Whether we are examining the field sobriety testing used, or reviewing the police stop for violations of your rights, Thomas W. Ryan’s team is prepared to aggressively protect your future from the severe penalties and consequences of a drunk driving conviction.