DWI Lawyers in New City, NY, Helping Clients Build a Successful Criminal Defense
Everyone makes mistakes. We like to think that we are in a good enough condition to get behind the wheel of a car, but sometimes we’re only fooling ourselves. If the police ever arrest you on DUI or DWI charges, it is vitally important that you seek legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney without delay.
At the law firm of Greenspan & Greenspan, our team has provided New City clients with legal services involving all manner of traffic violations and DWI arrests. While no results can ever be guaranteed in any legal matter, you can feel confident that your New City DWI attorney has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you through the process in pursuit of a satisfactory outcome.
Greenspan & Greenspan has over 30 years of experience serving New City, White Plains, and the surrounding Rockland County area. As your lawyer, we will fight on your behalf to see penalties reduced, sentencing lightened, and potentially even see charges dropped entirely.
Our law offices are located in White Plains and New City, New York. Connect with us through our website or phone to schedule your free consultation.
What is the Difference Between a DUI & DWI?
DWI stands for ‘driving while intoxicated.’ DUI, on the other hand, stands for ‘driving under the influence.’ These two descriptions may sound remarkably similar. And indeed, the crimes do have a lot of overlap.
In New York, a DUI charge may be dropped on a driver who is intoxicated by alcohol to some degree. In most circumstances, a DUI is charged as a misdemeanor crime.
A DWI carries graver consequences and penalties for those convicted on the charges. While a DUI may suggest that a driver is ‘buzzed,’ a DWI shows that the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) passes a permissible level of intoxication.
While neither crime looks good on a person’s driving record or criminal history, the DWI is considerably more severe. A DWI may result in a license suspension, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), or prison time in certain circumstances.
What are the Different Types of DWI Offenses in New York State Law?
New York laws include several variables related to DWI charges and arrests. These additional charges can result in harsher sentencing.
Various types of DUI & DWI offenses in New York include:
- Aggravated DWI
- Assault and other violent crimes
- Chemical test refusal (such as a BAC test)
- Commercial driver’s license holders charged with a DWI
- Driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI)
- DWI with a child passenger
- First-time offenders
- Manslaughter
- Out-of-state and foreign national DWI offenders
- Probation violation
- Repeat offenders
- Resisting arrest or disobeying the police
- Underage DWI
- Zero Tolerance Law
Please note that every DUI & DWI charge is serious and deserves your respect. You must consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the particulars of your case. Please contact our law office to schedule your confidential case evaluation to learn about the legal services that a New City DWI attorney can offer you.
What are the Potential Consequences for Being Charged with a DWI?
New York state laws have different possible penalties for each type of criminal driving offense.
An aggravated DWI arrest has a mandatory fine of at least $1,000, a maximum jail term of one year, and a mandatory revocation of a driver’s license for one year. If you have received two or more aggravated DWIs in less than a decade, your sentencing will be more severe, with potential fines up to $10,000 and seven years spent behind bars.
A first-time DWI or DWAI has a mandatory fine of $500, a maximum jail sentence of one year, and the loss of a license for six months. Like the aggravated DWI charge, those charged with additional DWIs and DWAIs throughout a ten-year period will face enhanced sentencing. The third DWI in a decade is a D-class felony and can result in seven years of prison time.
Depending on a history of DUI & DWI charges, more significant penalties can also be added. Penalties may also be enhanced depending on the severity of injuries and damages caused by negligent driving. Related felonies or a felony committed while under the influence could also result in harsh punishments. And those convicted for vehicular manslaughter, violent crimes, or assault with a motor vehicle could face decades behind bars.
To ensure that your rights are adequately looked after, you must hire a DWI attorney to build your criminal defense. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better your chances will be in and out of court as the case proceeds to the next stage.
Are you Required to do a Breath Test to Check Blood Alcohol Content?
If a police officer suspects that you are intoxicated by booze or under the influence of drugs, they may ask that you take a breathalyzer test or chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content. You may wonder if you have the right to deny a breath test.
The answer is complicated.
Yes, you may deny a breathalyzer. However, doing so will almost certainly result in fines and maybe even the revocation of your license.
In the state of New York, all licensed drivers operate under ‘implied consent’ laws. If you went through the necessary legal steps to obtain a driver’s ID so that you may drive on state and city roads, then the state requires that you follow the laws inherent in occupying those roadways. This includes taking a test to determine if you are illegally intoxicated while operating a vehicle.
If the police officer operates under all necessary civil law guidelines, you will be required to undergo the test at their request. If you refuse to do so, you may be charged with a ‘chemical test refusal.’
Where Does our Firm Practice Law?
While our law firm has offices located in White Plains and New City, we serve clients across the state of New York.
Our law office defends the rights of our clients in locations such as:
- Chestnut Ridge
- New City
- New York City
- Nyack
- Rockland County
- Spring Valley
- Stony Point
If you are in need of a DWI attorney, please contact our New City law office to discuss the details of your unique case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a NY DWI Attorney at our Law Firm Today
If you’ve been charged with a DUI or a DWI in the state of New York, it is imperative that you hire the legal representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney without delay. Whether your arrest relates to a probation violation or something far more deadly, the state prosecution will pursue these charges to the furthest extent of the law in an attempt to make an example out of you. The sooner your DWI attorney has a chance to begin crafting a defense, the better your chances of finding your way to a favorable outcome.
Greenspan & Greenspan serves clients across New York who’ve been arrested on DUI and DWI charges. Contact our law office to speak with a New City DWI attorney today.
You may schedule your free consultation by contacting our New City office by phone at (845) 422-8060.