DWI and DWAI convictions come with life-changing penalties. In addition to a fine, jail time, and the possible installation of an ignition interlock device, offenders will face a license suspension or revocation, the duration of which depends on the defendant’s criminal record.
If your license was revoked due to an alcohol- or drug-related driving offense, the Department of Motor Vehicles may review your lifetime driving record. If you have prior convictions, then the DMV may place additional restrictions on your relicensing options. In some cases, the DMV implements a lifetime denial of relicensing.
If you are facing DWI or DWAI charges in New York, contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. As a White Plains DWI attorney, Mr. DeUrso can evaluate your charges and explain the potential outcomes of your case. He can investigate your arrest, structure your defense, and aggressively represent your interests.
Call 914-772-8614 today to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about New York DWI laws by visiting the USAttorneys website.
Here is a brief overview of potential relicensing restrictions after multiple DWI or DWAI convictions:
When Will the DMV Implement a Permanent Relicensing Restriction?
The DMV can add relicensing restrictions in addition to the sentence imposed by the court. If you have five or more convictions for alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses, then the DMV may classify you as a persistently dangerous motorist. This can lead to a permanent relicensing denial. If this happens, you will have the opportunity to attend a hearing to provide evidence to justify relicensing.
If you have three or four convictions for alcohol– or drug-related driving offenses, as well as one serious offense within the last 25 years, you may also face a permanent denial of relicensing. Examples of serious offenses include, but are not limited to, vehicular manslaughter and two or more high-point offenses. High-point offenses are those that add five or more points to your driving record.
Am I Eligible for a Conditional License?
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, DWI and DWAI offenders may be eligible for a conditional license if they meet two criteria:
- This is their first offense;
- And they enroll in the Impaired Driver Program (formerly known as the Drinking Driver Program).
Although the DMV will determine your eligibility for a conditional license, the judge can prevent you from applying.
A conditional license will not allow you to drive a taxi or a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license. However, you may be able to drive under the following circumstances:
- Driving to and from work;
- Driving to and from the DMV for business related to your Impaired Driver Program or conditional license;
- Performing work-related duties that require driving during your hours of employment;
- Driving to and from court-ordered probation activities;
- Driving to and from an IDP-authorized activity;
- Driving to and from your children’s daycare or school;
- Driving during a predetermined, three-hour period between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. once per week;
- Driving to and from necessary health-care appointments;
- To complete tasks required to maintain enrollment in certain schools or employment;
- And driving to and from certain schools (high schools do not apply).
If you are facing DWI or DWAI charges, contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law to discuss your legal options. Mr. DeUrso will answer your questions and structure a comprehensive defense. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a White Plains criminal attorney.