Being ticketed for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense, and the legal consequences really start to accumulate for multiple DWIs. From fines and jail time to loss of driving privileges and higher insurance premiums, there are major legal and financial penalties for DWI tickets in New York.
However, a ticket is not the same thing as a conviction, and it doesn’t mean the prosecutor is going to be able to prove their case. You have legal defenses available and you should discuss those with a seasoned attorney who understands DWI laws and regulations. Count on The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers to defend you.
The Basics of DWI and Multiple DWI Tickets
Driving While Intoxicated in New York means driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is .04. Law enforcement may also issue a citation for “other evidence of intoxication,” which could be slurred speech or erratic driving behavior.
The penalties for a DWI are serious, and they begin with the first ticket. But the consequences get progressively more severe with each additional ticket. Here is what you could face with DWI tickets:
- First offense: A fine of $500 to $1,000; up to one year in jail; revoked driver license for at least 6 months.
- Second offense within 10 years: A fine of $1,000 to $5,000; up to 4 years in jail; revoked driver license for at least one year.
- Third offense within 10 years: A fine of $2,000 to $10,000; up to 7 years in jail; revoked driver license for at least one year.
Three or more DWI tickets can result in permanent license revocation. There are also much more serious penalties if the ticket (whether first or subsequent) causes death or property damage.
What Is Aggravated DWI?
A separate class of DWI tickets involves what is known as aggravated DWI, which is driving with a BAC of .18 or higher. These tickets can result in substantial fines, jail time, and license revocation, with penalties as follows:
- First offense: A fine of $1,000 to $2,500; up to one year in jail; revoked driver license for at least one year.
- Second offense within 10 years: A fine of $1,000 to $5,000; up to 4 years in jail; revoked license for at least 18 months.
- Third offense within 10 years: A fine of $2,000 to $10,000; up to 7 years in jail; revoked driver license for at least 18 months.
Financial Hardships for Multiple DWI Tickets in New York
If you receive even one DWI ticket, you can expect your automobile insurance premiums to increase substantially. A driver with a clean driving record pays about $1,870 annually for auto insurance, but this can jump by about $1,000 after a DWI. Multiple DWIs can increase the premium to around $3,800.
At some point, your auto insurer may decide that you are too risky to insure and refuse to renew your policy. Or you might have your license revoked for a substantial amount of time or spend time in jail. These consequences might cause you to lose your job or incur other financial problems.
Defending Your Driving Privileges in New York
Issuing a ticket for DWI is not enough for the state to convict you. There could be numerous defenses available, such as faulty breathalyzer equipment, lack of probable cause, or procedural errors. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your DWI ticket or how many you have accumulated, you have the right to a robust legal defense.
It begins with reaching out to The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers. Let us take a look at your ticket, gather evidence concerning it, and then get to work building a personalized legal strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. Connect with us today.
