In New York, you can be charged with a DWI as a felony or a misdemeanor. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor, and it can result in a longer prison sentence and higher fines. In addition, you may lose some civil rights if convicted of a felony offense....
DWI defense
Do you understand New York’s “Open Container” laws?
Most New Yorkers are aware that driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with severe legal and personal consequences. But did you know you having alcohol in your vehicle (even if you are not drinking it) can also land you in trouble? Even if you are not...
Could a DWI affect your child custody case?
When someone is arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) for the first time, they tend to be primarily concerned with whether they’ll end up in jail as a result of the situation. This is a legitimate concern, but it isn’t the only one that someone...
2 kinds of evidence you can challenge in your DUI defense
When you’re facing DUI charges, it’s natural to be worried about what’s coming next - even when you feel like you weren’t in the wrong. It can be incredibly difficult to successfully challenge a prosecutor’s case, so much so that attempting to do so may seem futile....
3 penalties New York assesses after drunk driving charges
Some people are so anxious about the outcome of criminal court proceedings that they immediately decide to plead guilty because they assume that, in doing so, they won't have to endure the worst possible penalties. However, judges see so many people pleading guilty...
5 questions about traffic stops
One way police ensure that drivers are obeying the laws is by performing traffic stops. Individuals typically don’t have to undergo traffic stops every day. In other words, if a police officer pulls you over, you likely have many questions. If an officer pulls your...
Reasonable suspicion’s role in drunk driving stops
Nobody ever wants to see the flashing lights of a police vehicle behind them. This is even truer if you’re on your way home from a night that involved a little alcohol. What many people don’t realize is that police officers aren’t allowed to stop vehicles without...
Can a pocket breath test help you avoid a DWI charge?
When a police officer arrests you because they suspect that you have committed a driving while intoxicated (DWI) infraction, you could end up serving a jail sentence and paying large fines. If you do get behind the wheel after alcohol compromises your driving ability,...
Does New York have aggravated DWI statutes?
The U.S. problem with drunk driving began shortly after the invention of motorized vehicles. State and federal governments made laws to deter people from taking the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. Many continued to break the rules, leading to the creation of...
Can you get a DWI for marijuana?
You never have worried about getting a DWI before because you don’t drink alcohol. You just didn’t assume that it would happen because there was never a chance for you to be impaired. However, you do use marijuana, ever since it was legalized in New York. Maybe you...