DWI Defense Attorneys in Albany, New York
At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, our Albany DWI defense lawyers and support staff are fearless advocates for clients who are facing these difficult legal challenges throughout New York.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a phrase used to designate drivers whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher and drivers accused of DWI who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or drivers accused of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) by illicit drugs or prescription painkillers refusing to submit to a chemical blood test being obtained by law enforcement.
Aggressive DWI Defense: Experience You Can Trust
Having handled thousands of DUI-related cases, and hundreds of hearings at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), local courts, and felony courts, we understand the complexities that each alcohol- or drug-related case entails, making few attorneys as successful as ours when defending our clients against these serious charges.
Our DWI defense attorneys in Albany County believe everyone deserves access to collaborative, outside-the-box legal solutions, no matter where they live or work in New York. This is why we provide personal attention that allows us to see their cases through their eyes, enabling our dedicated New York DWI defense attorneys to pursue positive outcomes that align with our client’s goals.
With over 20 years of combined experience on both sides of New York’s criminal courtrooms, accounting for over 200 trials between them, our law firm’s co-founders, Kevin O’Brien and Adam Eggleston, have built important relationships within the legal system, ultimately benefiting our clients and their legal outcomes. Contact us today to discuss your important legal needs, so we can begin building a customized DUI defense strategy on your behalf.
Do I Have to Submit to a Breathalyzer Test If Stopped by the Police in New York?
In New York, any driver suspected of impaired driving is required to submit to alcohol and chemical drug testing or face potential penalties.
The penalties for failure to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test in New York State following a DWI arrest include:
- First Offense: Suspension of their license for one year.
- Second and Third Offenses: Suspension of their license for 18 months if he/she has had a prior refusal or DWI conviction within the previous five years.
An additional potential consequence of a DWI refusal to submit to chemical testing is the permanent revocation of the driver’s license.
If you are facing criminal charges for failing to submit to a breathalyzer or chemical blood test, contact our skilled DUI defense attorneys in Albany for help today.
It is important to partner with an experienced DWI defense attorney and support staff with vast knowledge of the specific court and county in which you were charged so that together we can produce the best outcome for your unique legal needs.
What are the Different Types of DWI and DWAI Charges in New York State?
Alcohol and drug-related driving violations in New York State include:
- DWI: BAC .08 or higher, or other evidence of intoxication for drivers of private vehicles.
- DWI: BAC .04 or higher, or other evidence of intoxication for drivers of commercial vehicles.
- Aggravated DWI: BAC .18 or higher.
- DWAI/Alcohol: BAC .05 to .07 or other evidence of impairment while driving a private vehicle.
- DWAI/Alcohol: BAC .02 for drivers of commercial vehicles or drivers under the age of 21 for any private vehicle.
- DWAI/Drug: Impaired by a single drug other than alcohol.
- DWAI/Combination: Driving while impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Felony DWI: Prior DWI/DWAI Drug charges or conviction, Vehicular Assault in the 1st or 2nd degree, or Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st or 2nd degree, within the past 10 years can be charged as a felony.
No matter what type of DWI/DWAI you are being charged with in New York, even if this is your first offense, the consequences are steep and can impact parts of your life you never imagined, changing your life overnight.
You need a team of legal support that you can trust to put your best interests first. From the initial steps of the process to any additional questions that you may have down the road, our Albany DWI defense attorneys and support staff at O’Brien & Eggleston are here for you whenever you need us.
What are the Criminal Penalties Associated with DWI, DWAI, and DWAI Drug Convictions in New York State?
If you or a loved one has been arrested for DWI, DWAI, or DWAI with Drugs you likely have many questions about your case. These may include wondering how the case will proceed, what you can expect from your court appearances, and what might happen next.
It is imperative to have an attorney who is experienced in this complex legal field, so you understand your complete legal rights and options from the start of your case.
Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense in New York and can carry severe penalties that operate on a scale depending on factors like a driver’s history of past drunk driving offenses, their blood alcohol content at the time of the offense, and whether a chemical test was refused.
First Offense DWI Penalties in New York State
- Misdemeanor criminal charges.
- $500 to $1,000 in fines.
- Up to 1 year in jail.
- Minimum 6-month driver’s license revocation (or 1-year if Aggravated DWI).
Second Offense DWI Penalties in New York State (Within 10 Years of the Previous Offense)
- Class E felony criminal charges.
- $1,000 to $5,000 in fines.
- Up to 4 years in prison, with a minimum of 5 days in jail or 30 days community service.
- Minimum 1-year driver’s license revocation (or 18 months if Aggravated DWI).
- Installation of an ignition interlock device.
Third Offense DWI Penalties in New York State (Within 10 Years of the Previous Offense)
- Class D felony criminal charges.
- $2,000 to $10,000 in fines.
- Up to 7 years in prison, with a minimum of 10 days in jail or 60 days community service.
- Minimum 1-year driver’s license revocation with a chance of permanent revocation.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device.
Drivers who are caught with a blood alcohol content of .18% or higher may face Aggravated DWI charges. Aggravated DWI in New York is punished similarly to non-aggravated DWI but with lengthier driver’s license revocation periods and higher fine ranges.
Our team understands the issues and procedures associated with all DWI, DWAI, and DWAI Drug charges and can advise you about all the potential consequences, including consequences imposed by the DMV. We have the skill, knowledge, and experience to properly negotiate a resolution and/or effectively advocate your matter at trial.
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Contact Our Dedicated DWI defense Attorneys in Albany, New York Today
At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, we offer DWI defense representation to help you protect your best interests and obtain an outcome in your favor. When your interests are in jeopardy, including after a DWI, DWAI, or DWAI Drug arrest, you may feel like you have no chance of a future. We know better.
Tough legal issues require strong legal strategies. That is why we are here.
No matter how serious your situation may be, our DWI defense team believes your case is worth investigating to protect your future and your freedom. As your advocate, our Albany DWI defense lawyer will investigate the charges and evidence filed against you to look for errors or other details that could be critical in the outcome of your case.
Our priority is to prove that you deserve an outcome that supports your future, and we have a strong track record of doing so for our clients. Don’t give up your rights without a fight. Contact our Albany DWI defense attorneys and support staff at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC today by calling 518-391-2369 or contacting us online to schedule your initial appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions for DWI Defense
What are the different levels of DWI offenses in Albany, New York?
Albany, New York categorizes DWI offenses into various levels based on BAC and prior convictions. These include DWI, DWAI, and Aggravated DWI. Penalties become more severe with higher BAC levels and repeat offenses.
How can a DWI defense attorney help me in Albany, New York?
A DWI defense lawyer in Albany, New York can help by examining the evidence against you, challenging the legality of the stop or arrest, negotiating with prosecutors, and developing a solid defense strategy to potentially reduce or dismiss charges.
Can I still drive with a DWI charge in Albany, New York?
After a DWI arrest, your driver’s license may be suspended. There are different strategies to help you obtain a conditional license based upon unique factors to your case. In some cases, the Department of Motor Vehicles will schedule an administrative license hearing within 15 days of your arraignment. An attorney can represent you at this hearing and help you retain your driving privileges.
What happens at a DMV hearing for a DWI in Albany, New York?
The Albany, New York Department of Motor Vehicles conducts administrative hearings to determine the status of your driver’s license following a DWI arrest. You may be eligible for a conditional or restricted license that allows you to drive for specific purposes, such as work or medical appointments.
What are the potential defenses against a DWI charge in Albany, New York?
Common defenses may include challenging the validity of the traffic stop, disputing the accuracy of field sobriety tests or chemical tests, questioning the chain of custody of blood or breath samples, and raising issues related to constitutional rights violations.
How much does a DWI attorney in Albany, New York cost?
The cost of hiring a Albany DWI attorney varies depending on factors like the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience. Before partnering with an experienced DWI defense lawyer in Albany, understand the law firm’s fees and payment arrangements so you know what to expect from an expense standpoint before starting.
Should I plead guilty or fight a DWI charge in Albany, New York?
It is generally advisable to consult with an experienced DWI defense attorney before making any decisions about the direction of your case. A skilled DWI lawyer in Albany, New York can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and help you make an informed decision based on your circumstances.
