Pressure Increasing on DWI Drivers in New York

Would you still choose to drive, while under a warm alcoholic haze, if you knew that in an accident you had 1 in 4 chances of either dying or killing someone? It’s a fact that New York used to have an alcohol-related fatality rate of 24%, and it was one of the lowest in the nation in 1998. Texas led that grim race with over 50% fatalities in all accidents that happen if driving while impaired.

In 2011, out of a total of 8,461 reported alcohol-related crashes, 330 were fatal crashes. And of those crashes, 362 people were killed. And of them 170 were the drinking drivers, with the rest being non-drinking drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

Stricter DWI regulations and car safety features may have contributed to a lower rate of fatalities, but this also means a lot of drivers end up having their licenses suspended.

Adults who drive with a blood alcohol level of .08% is considered guilty of DWI, but for those under 21 the limit can be as low as .01% or .02%. A first-offense strike on your record can be big trouble later on. It can get you up to four years in prison for a moment of forgetfulness.

Unlike most driving violations that expire on the record after 3 years, a DWI record remains for 10 years or more. Someone with a DWI on the record is considered a ‘high-risk driver’ and insurance may be raised or even cancelled. Many people fear to challenge a DWI case in fear of having jail time added to their suspension, fines, and community service.

From a Rochester DWI lawyer, they explain there are many valid causes to challenge a DWI charge. A police officer must have a probable cause to make you pull over and run a test. The equipment must not be faulty and the tests administered properly and without duress. You must not be singled out due to racial or ethnic profiling. A DWI Lawyer in New York can tell you more about how procedure must be followed by the authorities, or evidence may become inadmissible.

Even at the worst case, your New York DWI lawyer can help your reduce penalties or expunge records long before the case goes to court. More immediately useful however is how they can help you deal with insurance and your employer.

While your license may be suspended for up to 1 year, you may still be granted a limited driving permit to your workplace, school or college, or for medical reasons.