Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol is a serious criminal offense in the state of New York. As such, you will likely endure harsh penalties that can derail your life if convicted. If you have been charged with a DWI in 2025, understanding the potential penalties you can face is crucial. Please continue reading to learn the consequences of this crime and why connecting with a determined Garden City, NY DWI/DUI Attorney is in your best interest.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a DWI in NY in 2025?
Under New York law, if a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater, the driver is considered legally intoxicated and unity to safely operate a motor vehicle.
The penalties you face for a DWI will vary in severity depending on aggravating or mitigating factors, including how many prior offenses you have on your record. If you have been charged with your first DWI with a documented BAC of 0.08% or higher, 0.04% for commercial vehicles, you will be facing a revoked driver’s license for at least six months, possible fines ranging from $500-$1,000, possible jail time up to one year, potential enrollment in the New York Drinking Driver Program, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. A first-offense DWI is charged as a misdemeanor.
The penalties for a DWI conviction are enhanced if you have prior DWI offenses within the past few years. For instance, a second DWI conviction will typically result in a revoked license for at least one year, a $1,000-$5,000 fine, and potential jail time up to four years. Penalties for a third DWI offense are much harsher, including fines of up to $10,000, permanent driver’s license revocation, and up to seven years in jail. It’s important to note that judges have the discretionary power to impose additional penalties as they see fit.
If you refuse to take a chemical test, you could be facing further penalties if convicted. These penalties may include a revoked driver’s license for at least one year (18 months for commercial drivers) and a $500 fine ($550 for commercial drivers). You should also keep in mind that New York has a zero-tolerance policy. This law prohibits drivers under 21 from operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system. If you violate this policy, you can face a driver’s license suspension for six months.
As you can see, New York has strict DWI laws in place to prevent people from making the poor decision to drive under the influence. If you are facing DWI charges, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled attorney from KCS Law, who can help you understand your options and defend your rights. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can fight for you.
