The Journal News reports that a police officer in New York is currently facing felony DWI charges after he allegedly drove drunk with a child in the vehicle while off duty. Police arrested the 46-year-old cop after receiving several calls about an erratic motorist on Route 17.
When state troopers found the vehicle that people had reported pulled over at a gas station, they determined the driver was under the influence, and there was a child under the age of 15 in the back seat. After conducting a search of the man’s vehicle, police allegedly found cocaine, as well.
The 16-year veteran cop is facing charges for criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated DWI with a child, and driving while ability impaired by drugs. The police have placed him on administrative leave.
If you are facing criminal charges in New York and you are not sure where to turn,
Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law can help. Mr. DeUrso is a DWI lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a free initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Westchester County.
What Is Aggravated DWI?
Aggravated DWI charges are more severe than standard DWI charges, and they carry harsher penalties. For example, driving with a BAC of .18 or higher is a form of aggravated DWI in New York, and penalties include a maximum jail sentence of 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500, and a license revocation of at least one year.
If you are facing aggravated DWI charges for the second time in the last 10 years, it is a class E felony, and the penalties include up to four years in jail, up to $5,000 in fines, and a license revocation of at least 18 months. Every state has its own laws governing aggravated, or felony, DWI charges. You could face aggravated DWI charges if you:
- Drive with an extremely high BAC;
- Drive with a BAC of at least .08 when there is a child in the vehicle;
- Drive a school bus while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or
- Cause serious injuries or death when driving while intoxicated.
You can also face charges for aggravated DWI if police find you driving while intoxicated and you already have multiple DWI convictions on your record. If you are facing aggravated DWI charges, there is a lot at stake, and you should not take the potential penalties lightly.
The criminal justice system is unpredictable, but there may be a defense that convinces the judge to reduce your charges or penalties, or to dismiss your case altogether. Darren DeUrso is a DWI lawyer in Westchester County who can investigate your arrest and structure a defense based on the unique facts of your case.
Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about DWI charges in New York by visiting the USAttorneys website.