When you are having fun with friends drinking, time can pass quickly and it can be difficult to know when you have had too much to drink. You might feel like you are sober enough to drive. But if you are pulled over, you may find that you are over the limit.
If you are stopped by the police, there are some things you should know:
1. You can choose to refuse a Breathalyzer, but at a cost
Refusing a breath test may seem like a good idea at the time you are pulled over, especially if you are not sure if you are over the limit. However, refusing to take the breath test is itself a traffic violation. You could face penalties for refusing, including the loss of your license and fines. Additionally, your insurance premiums may go up after the refusal.
2. The penalties could be serious
If you do take a breath test or field sobriety test, and you are over the legal limit, you could face serious penalties. The penalties you face will depend on the facts in your case. For example, if you are arrested for aggravated DWI for driving with blood alcohol content of .18 or higher, you will face higher fines, a longer license revocation and other penalties.
3. An attorney can help
After an arrest for DWI or aggravated DWI in New York, an attorney can help you fight the charges. A local lawyer who knows the procedures of local police and prosecutors may be able to negotiate a lesser charge. If you do not wish to negotiate a plea, your attorney can represent you at trial and help you build a defense.
