Rochester DWI Lawyer

Potential Consequences of a DWI Conviction

Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more is illegal and the results could place you under arrest.

Additionally, if you are caught operating a vehicle with a BAC of .18 or higher, you could face an aggravated criminal charge, which is penalized by harsher punishments.

Can A Lawyer Really Help With DUI?

Can a lawyer really help with DUI? The answer is yes. A skilled DUI/DWI lawyer can assist in helping you resolve and clear your charges. Should you decide to hire a DUI/DWI lawyer , it is important to know the consequences of a conviction and why a lawyer will help you with your case.

Being found guilty of being intoxicated in your vehicle could result in jail time, fines, and a driver’s license revocation, which could affect your finances, relationships, and ability to take care of everyday tasks.

Also, the conviction information may show up on your record, making it difficult to find employment.

I understand the life-changing consequences of a conviction, and I am committed to providing the dedicated representation you need to defend your case.

While each arrest is different, the following penalties could be brought if you are found guilty:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DWI checkpoint?

Sometimes called a sobriety checkpoint, driving checkpoints are designated location where law enforcement officers stop and check drivers to determine if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Learn more information about field sobriety tests.

Can I refuse a chemical test?

Yes, you can choose to refuse a chemical test. The upside of refusal is that you are limiting the evidence against you. Without a breath test result, it may be difficult for the prosecution to convict you.

However, choosing to refuse a chemical test or breathalyzer can result in your license being revoked for 1 year if deemed a “proper refusal” after a Department of Motor Vehicle refusal hearing.

You may be required to pay a DMV driver’s penalty fee of $750.00 before you reinstate your license when you are eligible.

What happens if I’m arrested for driving while intoxicated?

The exact legal process you face will vary depending on your particular situation.

In general, you can expect the following things after an officer has pulled you over and determined you’ve been operating your vehicle under the influence:

• Your vehicle can be impounded
• You will be taken into custody and booked for driving while intoxicated
• You might have to pay bail before being released
• Your license will be temporarily suspended
• You will have to appear in court on numerous occasions.
• You may have to take your matter to Trial

What are the common penalties?

Common penalties include:

• Expensive fines
• Your conviction remains on your driving record for a specified period of time
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
• Mandatory enrollment in and attendance of an alcohol or drug counseling program
• Time in jail – up to 1 year for a misdemeanor and punishable by State Prison for a Felony

Is a DWI charge a misdemeanor or felony?

Your DWI charge will depend on the specific details of your case. Generally, a conviction will be a misdemeanor when:

• Your BAC wasn’t too far over the legal limit
• No one was injured or died due to your DWI charge
• You don't have any previous convictions on your record

Driving while/under intoxicated is treated as felonies tend to involve

• Minor passengers in the vehicle
• Previous DWI convictions – within 10 years
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license

Learn more about felony DWI information.

Will I have a criminal record if I am charged with DWI?

The short answer is yes, you will have a record if you are charged for driving while/under intoxicated. Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense, and therefore, will go on your record.

However, depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be eligible to have your charge expunged from your record.

If you have been charged with driving while/under intoxicated, you should speak with an experienced lawyer in Rochester, New York about how to expunge your record and restore your reputation.

Get Out of Jail

For most individuals charged with driving while intoxicated as a first-time offender, they will be issued an appearance ticket to appear in court at a later date for arraignment.

It is important to have a qualified DWI lawyer with you at the arraignment date in order to protect your rights and preserve your driving privileges.

For other individuals with more aggravating circumstances, such as an accident with injuries, you will likely be arraigned without a lawyer.

At the end of your arraignment in court, the judge can set bail, which is a deposit that is designed to secure your presence in court at future appearances. That deposit is generally returned to you after your case is resolved.

For a first-time offender, bail is usually set between $500 and $1,000, though it generally depends on the specifics of your case.

If you are unable to afford bail, you can get a bail bond. The bondsman will loan you the amount you need in exchange for about 10% of the loan.

Is It Worth Fighting a DWI?

Short answer is yes. It is always worth getting a lawyer for DWI to help get your case dropped and win in court. A driver surely should hire the best affordable lawyer in our location to establish a strong testimony and prevent your suspension in time.

Many individuals submit themselves to defeat after being arrested for driving while intoxicated. But remember, you can fight these charges.

In fact, it is common for individuals to challenge a DWI and win for various reasons, whether there was an issue with testing or your results were compromised in some other way.

That said, this is not a step you can take on your own. To effectively fight DWI charges, it is imperative to hire a qualified lawyer who has extensive experience and a track record of success.

If you plead guilty to your charges, you will, of course, be convicted of these charges and face the penalties.

Even if your attorneys cannot win your case, he or she can still stand a good chance of substantially reducing the penalties, so you can move forward with your life and leave this incident in the past where it belongs.

Flat-Fee Payment Options. Free Case Consultations.

Recognizing that every case is unique, I will work closely with you to understand your particular circumstances and develop a legal strategy to fight your charges.

I will examine every detail of your situation, including reviewing reports, records, statements, and other evidence – to challenge the prosecutor’s case against you.

I have successfully obtained favorable outcomes for past clients, such as those mentioned below, and I am prepared to do the same for you.

Click to View My Past Case Results

• DWI – Dismissed without Trial
• DWI with .16 BAC and Failed Sobriety Test – Reduced to Traffic Infraction
• DWI with Speeding and Evading Police – Reduced to Traffic Infraction

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI?

As stated above, if you have serious charges set against you where there is a real chance that you could be serving time in prison then it is always highly recommended that you receive quality legal representation from lawyers who are very skilled at dealing with traffic law.

An lawyer's familiarity with local practices, the district lawyer, and the judge can also assist with these kinds of negotiations.