Driving while intoxicated is illegal throughout the country, but each state has its own particular laws and procedures when it comes to imposing penalties for a DWI conviction. Some states are stricter than others regarding the consequences of a DWI and related offenses. For example, at 10 days, Arizona has the longest minimum jail sentence for first offenders, while at 180 days, West Virginia has the longest minimum jail term for second offenders.
If you are facing DWI charges in New York, it is critical that you begin structuring your defense immediately. Depending on the facts of your case, there may be a defense that convinces the court to reduce the charges or penalties, or to dismiss your case altogether.
Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law is a criminal attorney in White Plains who will aggressively represent your interests. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn how a DWI conviction from any state can affect your criminal record:
Can a New York DWI Follow Me into Other States?
A DWI conviction is a two-way street. That means it can follow you into other states, and convictions from other states can follow you into New York. For example, if you are not a resident of New York but the New York Department of Motor Vehicles suspends your driver’s license as a penalty for DWI, you could also face a license suspension in your home state.
According to the National Center for Interstate Compacts, the Driver License Compact is an agreement between most states to exchange information regarding traffic violations of non-residents. Its motto is “One Driver, One License, One Record,” and it is part of New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Laws. The only states that are not part of this agreement are Connecticut, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan and North Dakota.
What Will Happen If I Get a DWI while Driving out of State?
The interstate compact has some limitations, but New York residents should not take DWI charges that they face in another state lightly. State courts might not have the authority to revoke an individual’s out-of-state license, but that does not mean the defendant will not face penalties back home.
If you have a DWI conviction in Washington, D.C. or in one of the 44 states that are part of the Driver License Compact, that state cannot revoke your New York driver’s license; however, the DLC will ensure that the arresting state exchanges information regarding the charges with your state of residence. Once the state of New York is aware of your transgression, the court may act on its authority to impose its own DWI penalties, including license suspension.
If you need help fighting DWI charges in New York, turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. A criminal attorney with more than 25 years of experience, Darren DeUrso will give your case the individual attention it deserves. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a White Plains DWI lawyer today.