DWI Lawyers in White Plains, NY — Fighting to Help You Keep Your Record Clean

Everybody makes mistakes in life. If every action a person made was known to law enforcement, there are likely very few people who wouldn’t have a criminal record. If you’ve been pulled over for driving while intoxicated (DWI), one of these mistakes can turn very costly. However, this isn’t always necessary. With a good defense attorney on your side, it’s possible to secure a more positive outcome. A DWI lawyer in White Plains, NY may be able to help.

At Greenspan & Greenspan, we know that the penalties for drunk driving or Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs other than alcohol (DWAI/Drugs) can be disastrous. You could lose your ability to drive, face mandatory fines and jail time, owe fees related to ignition interlock devices, and much more. When you work with our White Plains DWI attorneys, we’ll strive for reduced penalties, lesser sentences, and even the potential for dropping all charges.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Is There Any Defense to DWI Criminal Charges?

Whenever someone considers hiring a DWI attorney, their first question is often, “Do I have any possible defense” or “Is there any way I can beat this charge?” This is an understandable question. After all, judges and juries will often take the word of a police officer over someone charged with a crime. Additionally, many people believe that a failed breathalyzer test leaves little room for claiming innocence.

In reality, there are many potential defenses to DWI charges. For instance, what if there was a problem with the breathalyzer? What about situations where there wasn’t enough evidence to prove impairment? Did the officer possibly mess up by not recording the stop? Better yet, were any of your constitutional rights violated? Even in cases where a defendant appears “dead to rights,” a DWI attorney in White Plains, NY may be able to negotiate a beneficial plea deal.

What’s the Difference Between DUI and DWI?

Many people — particularly those from out of state — may be more familiar with the term driving under the influence (DUI). In many states, DUI and DWI have two different meanings. Driving while intoxicated often refers to operating a vehicle while drunk. However, DUI is much broader and can include drunk driving or driving while under the influence of other drugs. However, the term “DUI” does not exist under New York law.

Driving while intoxicated is the correct legal terminology used in New York for drunk driving. Such a charge typically comes when someone has a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. Drivers impaired by other substances will usually see a charge of DWAI/Drugs rather than DWI. If someone is charged with DWAI, it means police officers believed there was evidence of alcohol-impaired driving — even if someone’s blood alcohol content was not over 0.08 percent.

What Are the Different Types of DWI Charges?

We’ve already discussed the differences between DWI, DWAI, and DWAI/Drugs. However, it’s important to know that there are many other charges related to intoxicated driving. It’s important to understand these because — at any given point — the District Attorney may upgrade the charges against you. This is often done as a scare tactic to convince you to take a plea deal. Additional charges may include:

• Aggravated DWI
• Chemical test refusal
• Probation violation
• Repeat offenders
• Commercial driver DWI
• Underage DWI (Zero Tolerance Law)
• Resisting arrest
• DWI with a child passenger
• Manslaughter

Whether you face heightened charges will depend entirely upon the circumstances of your case. There’s no guarantee how the charges against you will play out, but it may be in your best interest to contact a DWI lawyer in White Plains, NY. At Greenspan & Greenspan, we can assist you with a free consultation right over the phone. Considering the potential penalties you may face, this might be the smartest decision you ever make.

What Are the Penalties for DWI in New York?

The potential penalties for a DWI charge in New York will depend entirely upon your unique circumstances. For instance, two people could be pulled over with the same blood alcohol content — but one may be charged with DWI while the other faces Aggravated DWI charges. The individual facing a DWI might see a $500 fine, a 6-month license suspension, and a maximum jail sentence of one year. However, the aggravated charge could result in:

• Mandatory fines of at least $1,000
• Maximum jail sentence of one year
• License suspension for an entire year

Aggravating factors in a case could consist of a higher blood alcohol content, having a child in the car, license issues, refusing a breathalyzer, and other charge enhancements. Of course, these charges and penalties may seem downright lenient when compared to those related to vehicular manslaughter or repeat offending. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, though, contacting a White Plains, NY DWI attorney may be in your best interest.

Contact a DWI Lawyer in White Plains, NY Today

It doesn’t take much to make a mistake that can last a lifetime. It may take only one more swallow of an alcoholic beverage to push someone over the 0.08 blood alcohol content level. And even if they’re not any more inebriated than they were at 0.079, the consequences are far more severe. We cannot guarantee any specific outcome, but when you’re working with our law firm, you can trust that we’ll advocate tirelessly on your behalf.

At Greenspan & Greenspan, this is what we’ve been doing for our clients for over 30 years. You shouldn’t have to be defined by a single mistake, and if you’ve faced multiple charges over a period of time, you’re still entitled to a thorough and experienced defense. The path ahead may not be the clearest or easiest, but having a DWI lawyer in White Plains, NY on your side can prove invaluable. Contact us today by calling (914) 946-2500 for a free consultation.