In 2012, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo implemented an initiative to prevent repeat DWI offenders from getting their driver’s license reinstated. With these rules, the state of New York has one of the most aggressive approaches to protecting drivers and pedestrians from inebriated motorists.
The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that over the past five years, the state’s top court has upheld these rules, allowing New York to revoke the license of more than 13,600 repeat offenders permanently. More recently, the state Court of Appeals ruled that the Department of Motor Vehicles maintains the right to deny applications for reinstating driving privileges from certain repeat offenders.
Since the new rules took effect, three residents with repeat drunk driving offenses on their records sued the state, claiming the policy was overreaching. The strict regulations stand, though, and the DMV commissioner must deny applications for license reinstatement from individuals who have had at least five DWI-related convictions over the course of their lifetime or at least three convictions and one other serious traffic offense over the last 25 years.
If you are facing DWI charges, your first call should be to a criminal defense attorney. Turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law for comprehensive legal guidance.
Mr. DeUrso has more than 30 years of experience as a DWI attorney, and he will aggressively defend your rights. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a White Plains DWI lawyer.
What Are the Penalties for Subsequent DWI Convictions in New York?
In the state of New York, the penalties for a DWI conviction get increasingly more severe for each subsequent offense. For example, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, a first-time DWI offender can expect to spend up to one year in jail and pay up to $1,000 in fines.
A third-time offender, on the other hand, faces a fine of up to $10,000 and up to seven years in jail. In general, all three offenses must have occurred within a 10-year period, but this can vary from case to case.
Third-time offenders also face a license suspension of at least one year, but if they have an additional traffic offense on their record, they could face a permanent license revocation under the new rules. Fifth-time offenders also face a permanent license revocation.
Fines, jail time, and license suspensions are not the only penalties associated with DWI convictions. Additional penalties include fees associated with license reinstatement, the use of an ignition interlock device and any associated costs, and the satisfactory completion of an Impaired Driver Program.
There are also lasting repercussions of having a DWI conviction on your criminal record. For example, it could affect your ability to purchase car insurance or to secure a job, which could be the most devastating consequence of all.
If you are facing DWI charges, Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law will structure a comprehensive defense based on the unique facts of your case. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a DWI attorney in New York.