Arrested for Multiple DUI Offenses?
Being arrested for DWI under any circumstances is a serious matter, but if you have prior convictions on your criminal record, you will face aggressive prosecution and could receive a sentence which would place your future in jeopardy. A first DUI offense is a
misdemeanor, but second and subsequent offenses are
felonies, carrying severe punishments.
How to Defend Against a DUI
I approach a problem from multiple perspectives, and will explore every possible avenue for defending you against the serious consequences you face. It may be possible to demonstrate that the police officer who administered your field sobriety tests made mistakes, or that the roadside conditions, the weather, your footwear or your physiology prejudiced the test results against you. There could be problems with the maintenance or calibration of the breath test machine, as well as errors in delivering the tests and storing and analyzing the samples. It may even be possible to have the charges dismissed on the grounds that the police officer is unable to explain what probable cause there was to pull you over. I will put my years of experience as a White Plains criminal defense attorney to use in searching for the best defense for your situation.
Legal Consequences for a Second and Third Conviction
The penalties you face depend on the number of previous convictions you have:
- Second Offense - Up to $5,000 in fines, four years in prison and a minimum one-year driver's license revocation
- Third Offense - As much as $10,000 in fines, a one year revocation of your driver's license and a 7 year term of imprisonment
You will also be required to pay to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, which will make it necessary for you to provide an alcohol-free breath sample before you can start your car, as well as paying significantly higher rates for your insurance. I speak Spanish fluently and am ready to meet with you for a consultation at your earliest convenience.