Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol is a serious mistake with far-reaching consequences. Besides, the legal consequences, a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can also impact other aspects of your life. If you are charged with...
Michael A. Ferraro, Esq., P.C.
DWI defense
Peer pressure and drunk driving: What to know
It has long been known that peer pressure can have a negative impact on driving. This is why teens are sometimes prohibited from driving with their friends until they reach a certain age. Studies have found that drivers with friends in the car are more likely to be...
Was a field sobriety test the cause for your DWI charge?
You may have recently been pulled over under the suspicion of driving while impaired (DWI). An officer may have asked you to step out of your vehicle and perform what’s known as field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests are used by police to identify if someone was...
What is probable cause in a DUI investigation?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is both dangerous and illegal. If you are caught and convicted, you may face a range of legal and collateral repercussions depending on the severity of the charge. However, to legally stop you for a DUI investigation and subsequent...
Most people cannot tell how much they can drink before driving
You probably know the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%, above which the police will automatically charge you with driving while intoxicated (DWI). Hopefully, you realize that in New York, they can also issue you with a lesser charge for...
How can cops tell if you’re driving while high on drugs?
With the recent legalization of marijuana in New York, there is an increased focus on catching those who drive while high on drugs. However, there is no field test for determining when someone is under the influence of anything other than alcohol. If you like to...
Can a DWI blood test be wrong?
If you’re stopped and arrested for driving while intoxicated, you may have a breath, urine or blood sample taken. If you have your blood drawn for the test, the lab will mix it with specific chemicals to determine how much alcohol is in your blood. The blood test may...
How can a drunk driving conviction affect a trucker?
Commercial drivers, including truckers, are expected to always drive safely. A trucker needs to have a clean driving record if they’re going to get the jobs they want. One thing that some people don’t realize is that even a small mistake is something that can destroy...
What is evidence of intoxication?
A police officer can pull your car over if they have reasonable suspicion that you're intoxicated, such as seeing you swerve into the oncoming lanes and then back into your own lane. That's enough for a traffic stop, and the officer may determine that they believe you...
Why might police suspect that you’re driving drunk?
In order to initiate a traffic stop, police officers need to have reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed. This is a very low standard. It simply means that if the officer wants to stop a car because they think the driver is drunk, something needs to...