Do Not Risk Your DWI Defense to Inexperienced Attorneys
Experienced DWI Lawyer in Rochester NY & Surrounding Areas
Being arrested for a DWI violation is a serious charge that could potentially threaten your driver's license, your employment and your freedom. Drunk driving in New York is taken very seriously and is aggressively prosecuted by the state. Hiring an experienced and skilled New York DWI attorney is the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.
The law gives you only 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the DMV, where you can fight to protect your driving privileges. This 10-day time limit includes any time you may spend in jail. By contacting a lawyer immediately, you may be able to keep your driving privileges. At Romeo & Schmitt P.C., we have over 20 years of combined experience defending clients accused of DWIs in New York.
In New York, a unique law gives drivers who have been arrested for a DWI the right to consult with a New York DWI attorney before deciding to take a chemical test. While the police do not have to wait for your attorney to show up, they do have to allow you the right to call and obtain advice from your attorney. Since taking or refusing a chemical test is an important decision in the process, consulting with a New York DWI attorney can be crucial to your case.
DWI Punishments in New York State
Penalties and consequences for a DWI conviction in New York state depend on the circumstances surrounding the DWI, your criminal background and whether the DWI is considered a felony or a misdemeanor.
A first-offense DWI is typically considered a misdemeanor and has a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of $1,000. There is also a mandatory license revocation for six months, and a term of no more than one year in prison is authorized.
For those who have prior DWI convictions, or for those who have injured someone during a DWI, these cases can be considered felonies and impose more severe penalties upon conviction. A minimum fine for a felony DWI is $1,000 and the driver may be given a prison term of up to four years. This is in addition to license revocation and any drunk driving programs that must be completed.
Contact a New York DWI attorney who can make a difference in your case. You cannot afford to waste time if you or a loved one has been charged with DWI in Rochester and Upstate New York.
