In New York, there are certainly collateral consequences for driving while intoxicated or driving while ability impaired. Depending on the specifics, the consequences can range and include everything from expensive fines to a license suspension and jail time. These consequences can greatly impact a person’s professional and personal life.
With it officially being the holiday season, now serves as a good reminder to keep these potential consequences in mind. Police in the Poughkeepsie area will be out in full force looking for drunk drivers. With such severe potential consequences, those who are arrested should keep in mind that there are legal options outside of pleading guilty.
Recently, state police all throughout the country launched the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This initiative, which includes an increased police presence and checkpoints, aims to find and arrest drunk drivers.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo talked about the increased enforcement, saying the point behind the initiative is to help keep New York drivers safe.
While no one will argue against the benefits of promoting safe driving, as a society we must remember that just because someone is arrested for DWI or DWAI, it does not necessarily mean that he or she were in fact intoxicated or putting others at risk.
Those who are accused of DWI or DWAI have legal rights. An attorney who understands drunk driving laws in New York will be able to provide more information and advice as it pertains to defense options and any next possible steps.
Source: Poughkeepsie Journal, “State Police launch DWI-busting campaign,” Denise Nickerson, Dec. 15, 2014
