You already knew that drinking and driving is against the law in New York state. What you might not know is that there is more than one form of drinking and driving in the state's criminal code. Depending on what you are charged with, the penalties you could face can...
DWI
Does a sobriety checkpoint violate your rights?
Drunk driving is a persistent social issue that causes millions of dollars in property damage and claims thousands of lives every year. Despite there being well-known laws that prohibit driving while under the influence of intoxicating substances, people still do it...
Researchers find that skewed breathalyzer results are common
A recent investigation from the New York Times turned up surprising information about the validity of breathalyzer tests. Their findings confirm what attorneys know to be true: The results of breathalyzer tests are more often flawed than the public realizes. A little...
DWI, Leandra’s Law and the ignition interlock device
If law enforcement stops you on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, you will face stiff penalties, including the loss of your driving privileges. Leandra's Law may play a role in your life if the court convicts you of DWI. This law involves the installation of an...
How much will a DWI cost you?
A DWI conviction is a big deal, whether it is your first one or fifth. The penalties are severe and can have far-reaching effects on all areas of your life, from driving privileges to employment. One consequence not to underestimate is the impact on your finances....
Challenges in finding work with a DWI felony on your record
When you received your first conviction for DWI, the penalties were not nearly as severe as they were years later for a second arrest and an Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated conviction. Now you are looking for a job as a convicted felon. What are the chances that...
Is Your Night About To Get Lit? Safe Partying Tips
A night spent having fun with friends is the perfect way to cap off a busy week. You look forward to it. You think of your plans fondly at the end of a tough shift at work or a long day studying for your next college exam. When the day comes, you just want to let...
DUI with a kid in the car: Diversion programs under Leandra’s law
What consequences do you face in New York state if you're convicted of impaired driving with a kid in the car? In 2009, legislators passed a law known as Leandra's law to punish drivers convicted of impaired driving with an automatic felony conviction if they have...
Leandra’s Law update: an FAQ on New York’s impaired driving law
It's been over six years now now since New York state passed Leandra's Law. The law makes it a Class E felony to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs with a child younger than 16 in the car - even for a first offense. If the child suffers serious physical injury,...
Ignition interlocks in New York: the gap between theory and practice
In order for a law to be fair, it has to be enforced consistently. It doesn't take grand jurisprudential theory to recognize this; it comes down to a basic sense of justice and common sense. Consider, for example, the ignition interlock requirement for people...
