A New York man who was on parole for a felony drug trafficking conviction crashed his vehicle into a utility pole. Police say the man was intoxicated. He was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie where he consented to a blood test and was charged with driving while intoxicated.
The man is a convicted felon who was sentenced to eight years to life in state prison after he was found guilty of possessing more than three ounces of cocaine in 2003. The man had also served prison sentences in the United States and Mexico for drug trafficking convictions. He is now facing DWI charges at the Town of Pleasant Valley Justice Court.
DWI convictions alter people’s lives in numerous ways. A variety of factors affect the possible penalties for DWI convictions, such as whether or not anyone was injured in the crash as well as prior convictions. People convicted of driving while intoxicated face losing their licenses, fines, jail time and the requirement of ignition interlock devices in their cars. Additionally, they are subject to higher insurance premiums and motor vehicle surcharges.
New York imposes strict consequences for DWI convictions. The fines and penalties for DWI convictions increase with each conviction. Some DWI convictions can result in prison time or even permanent revocation of drivers’ licenses.
A DWI lawyer may be able to help those charged with driving while intoxicated negotiate plea bargains that can reduce the impact of the damages that follow DWI convictions. However, negotiation can be more difficult for repeat offenders or those who are already on parole for other convictions. A DWI lawyer may be able to help individuals understand the charges they face as well as the potential consequences those charges carry. DWI lawyers may also offer people legal advice and skilled defense for their pleas or trials.
Source: Poughkeepsie Journal, “Convicted drug trafficker charged with DWI in Pleasant Valley,” Roberto Cruz, March 26, 2013
