First DUI Offense

If you have been charged with drinking and driving and this is your first arrest, you may be extremely concerned about the effect that this situation may have on your future. DWI is a crime in White Plains, and if you are convicted, you may not only receive a harsh sentence, you would also most likely have a criminal record which would follow you for years. After the process of arrest, booking and arraignment, you may feel that everyone is against you, but you can turn for help to The Law Office of John M. Cromwell. I have served countless individuals in our community as a White Plains criminal lawyer since 1988, and will do everything I can to help you resolve this situation in your favor. I am fluent in Spanish and am available to meet with you for a consultation as soon as possible.

Penalties for a First Offense

The penalties for a first-time drunk-driving conviction are harsh, as they are meant to deter the individual from committing a multiple DUI repeat offense:

Between $500 and $1,000 in fines
Up to 1 year in jail for this misdemeanor
Minimum 6 month driver's license revocation, or 1 year in the case of underage DWI
Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which will require you to provide a breath sample before you can start the car

The penalties are increased for aggravated driving while intoxicated, up to $2,500 in fines and a minimum 1-year driver's license revocation.

You can fight a DWI charge, even if you tested with a blood alcohol content above .08%. I will cross-examine the police offer to reveal any evidence that there was not probable cause to pull you over, which could result in the charges being dismissed on the grounds that your Constitutional rights were violated. Many drunk-driving charges are dropped after the attorney demonstrates that there were mistakes in administering the field sobriety tests or breath and blood tests. You should not take any further action or speak to investigators before meeting with me for a consultation.