As New York residents know, DWI cases can have long-term consequences for defendants who are convicted. However, not everyone who is accused of driving while intoxicated is guilty, and every person facing such charges deserves a strong criminal defense.
Our readers in the Poughkeepsie area may have heard that UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was arrested for DWI in New York back in May. Jones was sentenced on July 31, and as part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay restitution amounting to $6,500 to repair a telephone pole he damaged when he crashed his car. He is also required to place ignition interlocks on all of his vehicles. These devices test the driver’s breath for alcohol and prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.
Not all drunk driving sentences involve the payment of restitution and the installation of individual breathalyzers, and a good attorney will seek to have the charges dropped or, at the very least, reduced. A plea agreement is also an option. In this case, the defendant is a professional fighter, and the resolution of these charges was crucial to his returning to his career.
In addition to the payment and ignition interlocks, Jones’ driver’s license was suspended for six months. This punishment, which is frequently used in drunk driving cases, can place an immense burden on some defendants. DWI suspects who live in suburban or rural areas may need to drive their vehicles to stay employed. In these situations, the defending attorney must advocate on the client’s behalf and argue against sentences that will result in financial hardship for the accused.
Source: Yahoo! Sports, “Jon Jones Sentenced in DWI Case in New York,” Damon Martin, July 31, 2012
