If you are facing DWI charges and it is your first offense, there is a good chance they are misdemeanor charges. In many cases, though, driving while intoxicated is a felony and comes with severe penalties.
There are several factors that affect whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor DWI charges. In either case, it is important that you learn your defense options because even a first-offense DWI can affect your career, freedoms, and relationships.
If you are facing DWI charges in New York, contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. Mr. DeUrso is a DWI lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a criminal attorney in White Plains.
When Is a DWI a Felony?
Every DWI case is unique, and the specific penalties of a conviction can vary from county to county. In general, a DWI is a felony if the motorist caused serious injuries to other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Unfortunately, this scenario is fairly common.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9,967 people died in collisions involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2014. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the average person in the United States has about a 30 percent chance of being involved in a crash in his or her lifetime.
If you drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cause a collision, you could face felony DWI charges. You could also face felony DWI charges if you have prior DWI convictions on your record.
What Are the Penalties of a Felony DWI Conviction?
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, motorists with a BAC of .18 or higher can face charges for aggravated DWI. If this is your second DWI or AGG DWI in 10 years, it is a class E felony, and you may have to pay a fine of up to $5,000 and spend up to four years in jail.
If it is your third AGG DWI in 10 years, it is a class D felony. Penalties include a fine of up to $10,000, a maximum jail term of seven years, and a license revocation of at least 18 months.
A judge can also impose additional penalties for multiple convictions in a 25-year period. For example, three or more alcohol-related convictions over the course of a decade can result in permanent license revocation.
If you are face DWI charges, there is a lot at stake. Even if you are facing misdemeanor charges, a conviction means that future charges could be felonies. If you would like to discuss your defense options with a DWI lawyer in White Plains, turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law.
Mr. DeUrso will investigate your arrest and structure a comprehensive defense based on your unique situation. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal attorney. You can learn more about fighting DWI charges in New York by visiting dui-lawyers.usattorneys.com/new-york.