What Happens to Your NY Driver’s License After a DWI Conviction?

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New York courts take Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) tickets seriously, a fact that is reflected in the penalties that come with a conviction. Drivers can expect major penalties, even with a first-time conviction. The exact consequences will depend largely on the facts of your case.

The reality is that you cannot afford to fight this ticket on your own. Hiring a skilled law firm is the best way to challenge the prosecution’s case and seek the most advantageous outcome. Learn more about what The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers can do for you.

The Various DWI Charges You May Face

In New York, a “DWI” can refer to one of several different traffic offenses that are codified in New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1192. The first step in your defense is understanding what exactly you’ve been charged with. DWI tickets can include:

  • Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)/Alcohol (VTL § 1192(1)): DWAI often applies to lower levels of drug or alcohol impairment versus those of DWI.
  • DWI, per se (VTL § 1192(2)): This is driving with a .08 BAC or higher, as evidenced by a blood or chemical test.
  • DWI, intoxicated condition (VTL § 1192(3)): Refers to a DWI that is not necessarily demonstrated by a blood or chemical test.
  • Aggravated DWI (VTL § 1192(2-a)): A driver with a .18 BAC or higher can face this charge.
  • DWAI/Drug (VTL § 1192(4)): This is a DWAI charge related to drugs, rather than alcohol.
  • DWAI/Combination (VTL § 1192(4-a)): When the driver’s ability is impaired due to a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Talk to a knowledgeable New York DWI defense attorney if you are unsure what you’ve been charged with or what the offense entails for you.

What a First-Time DWI Conviction Can Mean

If you are convicted of a first-time DWI offense, your driver’s license will be revoked for at least six months (one year for aggravated DWI). This is more serious than a suspension because your license is terminated. You have to apply for a new license after the revocation period ends.

Not being able to legally drive can cause immediate problems with your job or schooling. Driving with a revoked license can lead to additional and separate traffic tickets. Even after resolving such a ticket you must still deal with the DWI that led to a revoked license to begin with.

For all of these tickets, your insurance premiums will increase. You might also pay fines of up to $1,000 (DWI) or $2,500 (aggravated DWI) and could face up to a year in jail. Most convictions also require drivers to have an ignition interlock device installed to prevent drunk driving.

What Subsequent Convictions Can Mean

Regardless of what type of DWI ticket you receive, more than one conviction will lead to even more serious penalties. A second DWI conviction within 10 years can mean a one-year license revocation. A third conviction may in some cases lead to permanent loss of driving privileges.

Because revocation is a threat with all convictions, a driver may be interested in obtaining conditional driving privileges. This allows the driver to operate a motor vehicle for limited purposes like going to work. Obtaining this becomes increasingly difficult with more convictions.

Insurance problems are some of the most persistent issues that New York drivers experience with additional tickets, including long-lasting premium hikes and even having the insurer drop you permanently. Other ongoing problems include:

  • Additional monetary fines for each ticket
  • Being required to participate in an alcohol treatment program
  • Payment of license restoration and new license fees
  • Career, educational, and reputational problems

Facing a DWI? It’s Time to Get Serious About Your Defense

While the consequences of a DWI conviction are serious, you still have the right to put forth a defense. It’s time to schedule your initial consultation with The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers. We can review your ticket, advise you of your options, and begin working on a legal strategy.