What To Expect From a DWI Conviction on Long Island

Drunk driving on Long Island is an offense that can carry a multitude of consequences; this behavior often leads to car accidents, personal injury, and in many cases, jail time. If you are charged with a DUI or DWI, it is a good idea to find the best lawyer within your price range in order to make a case for yourself. Here is a brief overview of what to expect from if you are convicted of DWI.

License Status

While many different types of changes may potentially occur in your life after you are charged with a DUI or DWI, the status of your license is among the most certain. Upon being convicted of this type of crime, your license may either be suspended or revoked. This new status typically takes effect immediately upon sentencing, but some individuals may receive a Continuation of Driving Privileges (also known as a 20 Day Stay) from the court; in this case, the revocation or suspension may not officially begin until 20 days following the sentencing. If you are eligible to participate in the Drinking Driver Program, you can apply for a conditional license after enrollment. You can find out where to enroll in this program when you receive your order from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Responsibility Assessments

In addition to having your license either revoked or suspended, you will also have to pay a driver responsibility assessment for each of the three years following your DWI conviction. Individuals who do not submit to a chemical test or are convicted of Driving While Ability Impaired or Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs will also have to pay a driver responsibility assessment for this time period. Your participation in the Drinking Driver Program does not affect your involvement with driver responsibility assessments.

Sentencing

When it comes to other legal consequences of a DWI conviction, a first offense is a misdemeanor in the state of New York. This means that you may be fined up to one thousand dollars and sentenced to no more than one year in jail, up to three years of probation or a combination of the two. This is why it is imperative to consult with an experienced DWI attorney as soon as you are charged to ensure your rights are protected. The criminal defense attorneys at Schalk, Ciaccio, & Kahn, are all former prosecutors and nationally recognized DWI defense attorneys who have the experience to assist any person charged with DWI/DUI in New York. For more information on their firm and DWI in New York visit SCKESQ.COM