If you were arrested and charged with a DUI in Watertown, Newyork or a neighboring City, please call the 1-800 number below to get in contact with an experienced DUI attorney to fight your case.
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Watertown, New York DWI / DWAI Lawyer

DWI / DWAI in Watertown

Under New York law, when you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state imposes penalties based on your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level. New York uses a 2-tier system to impose DWI charges upon an offender:

  1. Driving While Intoxicated: BAC of 0.08% or greater
  2. Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI): BAC between 0.05% and 0.08%

If you are charged with DWI / DWAI in New York, it is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing a New York DWI / DWAI understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the advice of an aggressive and skilled DWI / DWAI lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

DWI (DWAI) Penalties for First Time DWAI Offenders Offenders

  • New York Driving Privileges and DWI / DWAI - In Watertown, New York, a first time DWI or DWAI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in New York for 90 days.
  • Monetary Fines - In Watertown, New York, fines for a first time DWI / DWAI are $300 to $500.
  • Jail Time - A first time DWAI or DWI offender faces up to 15 days time in jail. The court may order alcohol treatment in lieu of jail time.
  • New York Driving Privileges and DWI / DWAI - In Watertown, New York, a first time DWI or DWAI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in New York for 180 days.
  • New York Driving Privileges and DWI / DWAI - In Watertown, New York, a first time DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of six months.
  • Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI / DWAI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DWAI (DWI) conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI / DWAI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in New York.
  • Jail Time - A first time DWAI or DWI offender faces up to 1 year time in jail.
  • Monetary Fines - In Watertown, New York, fines for a first time DWI is $500 to $1,000, plus any applicable fees.
  • Breath Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges in New York for 1 year and a fine of $500.00. Pursuant to New York law, after refusal to submit to a chemical test, an individual has 15 days to request a hearing from the Department Motor Vehicles in New York. If you fail to request a hearing within 15 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days.

DWI / DWAI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI / DWAI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI / DWAI laws in New York, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why an assertive and experienced attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a New York DWAI or DWI attorney for a free, professional consultation.