As Fourth of July celebrations ramp up, so does impaired driving. In New York State alone, during the July 3–7, 2024, enforcement period, State Troopers issued 12,991 traffic tickets, arrested 193 individuals for DWI, and investigated 949 crashes, including 158 with injuries and five fatalities. With these sobering facts in mind, please read on to understand the severe legal consequences of a first, second, or third-offense DWI in New York during this high-risk holiday, and why having a seasoned Garden City DWI attorney is essential to protecting your rights.
What are the consequences for a first-offense DWI this Fourth of July?
Even with a first-offense DWI, New York courts will inflict nothing less than harsh penalties on you. Specifically, you may be facing the following consequences with this offense:
- Potential enrollment in the New York Drinking Driver Program (DDP) and applicable costs.
- A revoked license for a minimum of six months.
- Possible fines anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
- Possible jail time of up to one year.
Additionally, if you are charged with a first-offense DWI while being under the legal drinking age of 21, you may receive the following penalties:
- Potential enrollment in the New York DDP.
- A suspended license for six months.
- A $100 fee for suspension termination.
- A $125 civil penalty.
- Potential ignition interlock device installation and associated costs.
What are the consequences for a second-offense DWI this Fourth of July?
Inevitably, second-offense DWI consequences are that much harsher than those of a first offense in the state of New York. Below are the penalties you are up against for this specific conviction:
- Possible enrollment in the New York DDP.
- A revoked license for at least one year.
- Possible jail time up to four years.
- Possible fines anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
And for drivers under the age of 21, the penalties are as follows:
- Possible enrollment in the New York DDP.
- A revoked license for at least one year, or until you turn 21.
- A $100 fee to reinstate your license.
- A $125 civil penalty.
- Possible ignition interlock device installation and associated costs.
What are the consequences for a third-offense DWI this Fourth of July?
The most serious of the three, a third-offense DWI, commonly leads to a jail sentence. Other charges for a third-offense DWI in New York are as follows:
- A revoked license for at least 1 year, or possibly permanent revocation.
- Possible fines anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.
- A jail sentence of up to 7 years.
- State surcharges.
If you are facing any of the above charges, it is important that you retain the services of one of the knowledgeable Nassau County criminal defense attorneys who will fight for your rights in court. We will work to reduce or eliminate any charges against you as best as we can.
Contact Our Long Island Firm
If you need experienced legal counsel for a criminal matter on Long Island or anywhere in New York State, please contact KCS Law to schedule a consultation.
