Dutchess County woman receives DWI charges

May 04, 2013 (Press-News.org) Dutchess County woman receives DWI charges

Article provided by D. Jen Brown, Esq. Attorney at Law
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The Mount Kisco police recently reported that a woman in Dutchess County drove off the road and was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated. According to the allegations, the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.22 percent.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges can come with serious penalties. If convicted, the driver could face imprisonment, fines and a driver's license suspension. An aggravated DWI is a more serious offense and may be issued for those who operate a vehicle with BAC of 0.18 or higher.

Severity of DWI penalties in New York

DWI criminal charges come with wide reaching negative consequences. Criminal penalties can include:
-First offense: minimum $1,000 fine, up to one year imprisonment and revocation of a driver's license for one year
-Second offense within ten years: minimum $1,000 fine, up to four years imprisonment and minimum 18 month license revocation
-Third offense within ten years: minimum $2,000 fine, up to seven years imprisonment and minimum 18 months driver's license revocation

Conviction can also result in required installation of ignition interlock devices. An ignition interlock device measures the amount of alcohol consumed by the driver by requiring a breath test prior to allowing the car to be started. The driver is required to cover the costs associated with this device, including installation and maintenance.

Various factors can increase the severity of these penalties. These factors can include driving with a minor in the vehicle or the occurrence of an accident due to driving while impaired. If the accident results in death or injury, vehicular manslaughter or vehicular assault charges may also apply.

In addition to these criminal penalties, those with a DWI conviction on record can face difficulties finding employment and housing. Many employers and landlords run background checks, and the presence of a criminal record may deter a potential employer or future landlord.

The risk of getting pulled over for a DWI in New York is greater than ever because of New York's STOP-DWI law. This law returns money paid for drunken driving violations within each county to fund further enforcement efforts. This has led to an increased police presence on the streets in New York.

It is important to take these charges seriously. Contact an experienced DWI defense lawyer to discuss your situation and better ensure your legal rights are protected. Numerous defenses are available and may result in a reduction or, in some cases, dismissal of charges.