After being arrested and charged with your first DWI, you probably have a million thoughts and questions running through your mind. Of course, your top priority is likely how to mitigate the potential consequences of the situation. Let’s go over what you can expect after your first DWI.
Potential Penalties for a First DWI
You may be charged with DWI if you take a breath test that shows you are above the legal BAC limit (.08%) or if the police officer otherwise has reason to believe that you were impaired behind the wheel of a vehicle.
A first offense DWI in New York is punishable by:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Driver’s license suspension
These penalties may increase if there were aggravating factors present during the incident, such as:
- Repeat DWI offenses on your record
- A minor passenger in the car at the time of arrest
Do You Need a Lawyer for A First Offense?
Some individuals question if it is worth hiring an attorney to fight a first-offense, misdemeanor DWI charge. However, you should not underestimate the effects of a misdemeanor on your record. Not to mention, a DWI conviction could be what leads you to have a criminal record in the first place.
You should always work with a DWI attorney to fight your charge– whether it’s a first, second, third, or even fourth offense. A DWI conviction has long-term costs that you want to avoid whenever possible.
Working with an experienced DWI attorney gives you the best chance of:
- Having your case dismissed
- Having your charge reduced
- Being found not guilty
New York City DWI Defense
If you’re facing first-time DWI charges in New York City, Kenneth E. Belkin, Esq. has your back. When getting into the details of a driver’s traffic stop, we can often find some faults that challenge the validity of the investigation and arrest. Once we learn more about your case, we can begin crafting a strong strategy that creates reasonable doubt of your guilt. Get started today and call us at (718) 395-6755.