Drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous, and the DWI laws in place are supposed to discourage people from doing so. Everyone deserves a second chance, but the law is less generous when it comes to third and fourth chances, and that’s why the penalties for a DWI conviction get more severe as the number of past convictions increases.
If you are facing DWI charges in New York, it is important to remember that you still have rights, regardless of your history. Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law fights tirelessly for clients who are facing hefty fines, license suspensions, and long prison sentences.
Call 914-772-8614 to speak with a White Plains criminal lawyer today, and read on to learn more about the potential penalties for individuals who are facing multiple DWI convictions:
If This Is Your Second Offense
According to SafeNY, New York State has a Zero Tolerance Law, which means motorists under the age of 21 can face charges if their BAC is 0.02 or higher. Underage individuals who are caught drinking and driving for a second time face a license suspension of one year or until they turn 21, $225 in penalties and fees, enrollment in the Impaired Driver Program, an ignition interlock device, and all the costs associated with the IDP and the device installation.
Individuals who are over the age of 21 and have had one DWI conviction within the past 10 years face more severe penalties. The Department of Motor Vehicles reports that for a second offense, the penalties include:
- License suspension of at least one year;
- A fine ranging from $500 to $5,000;
- An annual assessment fine of $250 for three years totaling $750;
- At least five days in jail or 30 days of community service;
- Up to four years in prison;
- An ignition interlock device and all the costs that come with it;
- Enrollment in the IDP and all associated costs;
- And a Class E felony.
If This Is Your Third Offense
If you have two DWI convictions on your record, it is in your best interest to avoid drinking and driving at all costs. The state of New York has a look-back period of 10 years when it comes to second and third offense DWIs. That means if you have had two DWIs within the past decade and police charge you with DWI for a third time, you face:
- A license suspension for at least six years;
- A fine ranging from $500 to $10,000;
- At least 10 days in jail or 60 days of community service;
- Up to seven years in prison;
- An ignition interlock device and all the costs that come with it;
- And a Class D felony.
The consequences for multiple DWI offenses are severe, but a criminal attorney may be able to negotiate for reduced sentencing and lesser penalties if your situation warrants it. You can learn more about facing charges for drinking and driving at USAttorneys.com.
If police have charged you with DWI in New York, turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a White Plains criminal attorney with 25 years of experience.