Most Americans are familiar with DUI awareness campaigns from advertisements that blanket TV and radio broadcasts. Unfortunately, honest people still make mistakes, and a moment’s lapse in judgment can lead to life-changing consequences.
DUI charges are always serious matters – even for first-time offenders. If police have arrested you for DUI, then one of your first calls should be to an experienced attorney who can protect your interests.
If you would like to speak with a DUI attorney in New York City, contact Goldberg & Allen, LLP today for a free consultation at 212-766-3366. With more than 30 years of combined legal experience, our lawyers can demystify the legal process and plan an aggressive defense strategy.
In the meantime, read on to learn why DUI charges should never be taken lightly:
Understanding the Financial Risks of a DUI
While there are many specific penalties associated with a DUI conviction, the financial burdens are perhaps the most devastating. If you are convicted, not only will you probably have to pay heavy fines, but your insurance premiums could potentially rise, as well.
For first-time offenders, the financial penalty for DUI can be as high as $1,000. Defendants may also have to spend a year in jail. These penalties increase with subsequent offenses, with as much as $5,000 in fines for a second conviction and up to four years in jail.
Penalties that Impact Your Ability to Drive
Fines and prison sentences are not the only penalties associated with a DUI conviction. If you are a first-time offender, then you may have your license suspended for up to six months, and up to a year for a second offense.
Each DUI offense will also put 12 points on your license, which over time will continue to jeopardize your ability to drive. Subsequent offenses will also prevent you from driving any vehicle without an ignition interlock system in place.
What’s the Difference between a DUI and a DWI?
DUIs and DWIs are not the same offense, according to the New York City Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, involves situations when a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. People can face DWI charges without any alcohol in their system.
Responding to a DUI Charge
A lot of what goes into whether or not you will be convicted for a DUI is your response to the charges. To start, it may be to your benefit to refuse any roadside sobriety tests when pulled over, as well as requests to take a breath test, however by doing so, your New York driving privileges may be suspended.
Breath test results and the officer’s testimony based on the field sobriety test can impact your ability to fight the charges. This is why you may wish to refuse these tests politely, stating that you do not feel comfortable without an attorney present realize again that by refusing the breath test , your New York driving privileges may be suspended.
If you would like to work with a DUI lawyer in New York City who is ready to fight for your rights, contact Goldberg & Allen, LLP today for a free consultation at 212-766-3366.
