Turn To Our Experienced DWI/DUI Attorneys

Being accused of drunk or drugged driving can quickly turn a fun night out into a true nightmare. What happens next could impact your entire future. Turn to a New York DWI defense team you can trust. Reach out to us at the Law Offices of Richman Hill & Associates, PLLC, right away.

When you choose us, you get attorneys with over 65 years of combined legal experience who have helped clients throughout New York City fight complex state and federal charges. We know what it takes to provide a strong DWI/DUI defense in the Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.

Common DUI/DWI Allegations In New York

There is a wide range of DUI/DWI-related crimes you could be accused of in New York, including:

• Driving while intoxicated (this includes driving with a BAC of .08% or higher).
• Driving while your ability is impaired by alcohol (including driving with a BAC of .05% to .07%)
• Driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC at or above .04%
• Driving while your ability is impaired by drugs (or a combination of drugs and alcohol)
• Driving with a BAC at or above .02% when under the age of 21
• Causing an accident while driving intoxicated
• Causing a death while driving intoxicated (felony vehicular homicide)

Our firm is ready to help you fight such charges.

The Consequences Of A DWI Conviction

Here in New York, there are many possible penalties you could face in connection with drunk driving allegations, such as:

• Jail/prison time (up to a year for a first-time DWI offense)
• Fines ($1,000 for a first-offense DWI)
• Driver’s license revocation (a minimum of six months for a first-offense DWI)
• Ignition interlock device requirement (a minimum of six months for a first-offense DWI)

The penalties can be more severe for repeat/multiple DWI offenses, when aggravating factors are present or when more serious charges are involved.

What Is Implied Consent?

Under New York’s implied consent law, drivers must submit to a chemical test when asked to do so after being arrested for drunk driving. Failing to submit to a mandatory breathalyzer or blood test can result in fines and license suspension, and you could still face DUI charges based on other evidence.

DUI Checkpoints In New York

DWI checkpoints, also known as sobriety checkpoints, are temporary roadblocks. Law enforcement officers stop vehicles at a designated location to assess drivers for signs of intoxication. In New York, these checkpoints are legal and are conducted regularly across various boroughs, including the Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. While the frequency of DUI checkpoints varies significantly across New York City’s five boroughs, they are more common on weekends, at night and during major events and holidays.

At a typical checkpoint, officers will stop vehicles in a predetermined pattern (such as every third or fifth vehicle) to ensure constitutional compliance. When stopped, you can expect officers to request your license, registration and insurance while observing for signs of impairment. If officers suspect impairment, they may direct you to a secondary screening area for further evaluation.

Field Sobriety Tests: Types And Reliability

Field sobriety tests are a series of physical and cognitive exercises used by law enforcement to assess a driver’s level of impairment. In New York, common field sobriety tests include the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, the one-leg stand test and the walk-and-turn test. These tests assess balance, coordination and your ability to follow instructions.

However, the reliability of these tests is a point of contention. While they are standardized, factors such as medical conditions, nervousness or officer bias can affect performance, leading to false positives. 

You have the right to refuse these tests, although refusal may lead to arrest based on other evidence of impairment.

DWI And Professional Licenses

A drunk driving conviction can have significant implications for individuals holding professional licenses in New York. Licensing boards for professions such as medicine, law and commercial driving often have strict guidelines regarding criminal convictions, particularly those involving alcohol or drugs. A DWI conviction may lead to disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of the professional license.

A strategic defense approach that addresses both criminal and professional licensing concerns provides the opportunity to protect your career following a DWI.

What To Do After A DUI Arrest?

When you are accused of drunk driving, DWI felonies, DWI involving drugs or other intoxicated driving offenses, it can be important to take the following steps:

• Be careful what you say to officers, as it could later be used against you
• Look into your options for responding to an immediate license suspension
• Contact an experienced DWI defense attorney to safeguard your rights

Our firm stands ready to help you after an arrest.

Why Work With Us From The Start?

Early intervention by trusted DUI charge defense attorneys could provide important avenues for minimizing the overall impact of your case on your life. Our firm is known for its knowledgeable, proactive and dedicated advocacy. We offer tailored defense strategies aimed at helping you overcome challenges and pursue your goals.

Take Action Now To Protect Your Future

Get in touch with our experienced drunk driving defense lawyers today by calling 929-730-7698 or completing our contact form. We are here to give you the skilled defense representation you need in this critical time.