Serious Penalties for Multiple Drunk Driving Convictions
Many people are surprised to learn that a second conviction for driving drunk (DWI DUI DWAI) within 10 years of the previous conviction is a felony in New York, subject to severe penalties. The state takes DWI very seriously, and if you are facing a second or subsequent DWI charge, you need a lawyer with experience who will fight for your freedom.
I have more than 17 years of experience in criminal defense, including DWI and felony DWI. As a New Paltz Felony DWI attorney, I can help minimize your penalties or have your case dismissed. Call my New York law firm for the help you need.
DWI Penalties
DWI penalties are severe, especially for repeat DWI convictions.
Second Conviction
A second DWI conviction is a Class E felony and carries with it:
- Fines: A minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000
- Jail: A minimum of five days or 30 days of community service and a maximum of five years
- License revocation: A minimum one year revocation of your driver's license
- Other: Mandatory compliance with an alcohol assessment program and ignition interlock
Third Conviction
A third conviction of DWI is a Class D felony, with even more severe penalties, including:
- Fines: A minimum of $2,000 and up to $10,000
- Jail: Minimum 10 days or 60 days of community service and up to seven years in jail
- License revocation: A minimum one year revocation of your driver's license
- Other: Ignition interlock and alcohol assessment
Protecting Your Rights in a Felony DWI Trial
One of the most important aspects of DWI defense involves defending the constitutional rights of the accused. When the police make errors in the following areas, they amount to a violation of your rights, and we might have the case thrown out:
- Stops and checkpoints: The police need a valid reason (probable cause) to pull you over, and any checkpoints they use must be truly random.
- Field sobriety tests: There are many ways the police can err when administering the sobriety tests after pulling you over.
- Breathalyzer and blood tests: Just like with field sobriety tests, there are many mistakes that the police make in this area, including improper training and licensing of the person administering the test and improper administration of the test.
New York Drunk Driving Lawyer Offering Free Consultations
A felony DWI charge is difficult, but there are things I can do to minimize the damage. Contact me today for a free initial consultation to see what I can do to help.
