In New York, drivers must adhere to the rules of the road to ensure all safety. One of the most critical traffic laws they must follow is to refrain from driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. New York imposes strict laws against drunk driving as alcohol significantly impairs a person’s critical driving abilities, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle. As such, individuals who decide to get behind the wheel while they are intoxicated will face DUI charges. The severity of your penalties will vary depending on the recency and number of subsequent offenses on your record. If you have been charged with DUI in New York, and this is your second, third, or subsequent offense, you should contact an experienced Rockland County DUI Attorney who can help you explore possible defenses to shield you from your charges.
Will a prior conviction impact my current DUI case in New York?
Generally, the laws impose more strict penalties on repeat offenders. This severe offense carries harsh penalties, including fines, license suspension, enrollment in an alcohol education program, installation and use of an ignition interlock device, and even imprisonment. However, those charged with a third or subsequent DUI offense within ten years risk losing their driving privileges permanently. Ultimately, alongside harsher penalties, a prior conviction will impact your current DUI case as subsequent offenses within ten years are classified as class D felonies, meaning you may be subjected to a longer jail sentence and a permanent criminal record that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
How will it affect my potential penalties?
As mentioned above, subsequent DUI offenses will result in harsher penalties as New York aims to deter repeat offenses to keep the public safe from harm, as alcohol significantly impairs drivers’ motor skills and cognition, preventing them from operating their vehicles safely. Therefore, while a first DUI offense usually results in a six-month license suspension, a second or third offense could result in losing driving privileges ranging from 1-7 years.
In addition to suspended driving privileges, drivers will likely be subject to more substantial fines. For instance, a first DUI offense may range between $500-$1,000, while a third or subsequent DUI offense may incur penalties of up to $10,000. Nonetheless, the most significant way a prior conviction will impact your current DUI case is that it could result in a permanent criminal record, which will hinder your ability to find suitable employment opportunities, preventing you from earning a living to provide for yourself and your family.
As you can see, prior convictions will significantly affect the outcome of a current DUI case. Therefore, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled Rockland County DUI attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector, who can help you fight to avoid harsh penalties.
