In the state of New York, DUI is a serious matter. It comes with a hefty price tag. If any driver is found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, he is bound to face harsh penalties. Drunk driving charges can entail civil penalties, criminal penalties, and administrative penalties. So a DUI conviction is something that should be avoided whenever possible. Depending on case facts, you may run into financial costs worth more than a thousand dollars. Typical DUI is estimated to cost roughly between $4000 and $15000.
In New York, there are two main drunk driving charges: DWAI (Driving while ability impaired with a BAC of 0.7% or more but less than .08%) and DWI (Driving while intoxicated with a BAC of 0.08 or more). Both offenses impose fines, jail terms, and license suspension. Generally, drunk driving offenses attract substantial fines ranging from $300 to $10000. The minimum fine for a first-time conviction is $500 while the maximum is $1000. A first-time DWAI can be punished with fines between $300 and $500, a license suspension for 90 days, and a 15-day jail sentence. A first-time conviction for DWI has far more severe consequences. A first DWI conviction may carry fines of more than $1000, revocation of driver’s license for at least 6 months, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 6 months or one year. Drivers with a BAC of .18 or more face aggravated DWI. A DWI offender who refuses to take a chemical test must pay $500 as a mandatory civil penalty. Second violations impose a mandatory fine between $500 and $750, a 30-day jail sentence, and license revocation for 6 months.
It is well-known that drunk driving convictions can result in a criminal conviction and can substantially increase insurance premiums for the next 3 years after conviction. Offenders will have to choose an insurance coverage from assigned high-risk pools and their premiums are usually three-fold the premiums average drivers pay. But when it comes to high monetary fines, many are under the false assumption that a first DWI has fewer or less severe minimal consequences. In addition to mandatory monetary fines and criminal penalties, there are numerous costs associated with posting bail, court surcharges, towing expenses, DMV driver responsibility assessment fees, fees for re-issuing licenses and pre-conviction conditional licenses, alcohol abuse screening costs, increased insurance premiums, and impound fees. Those who get convicted must pay an annual fee of $250 as driver responsibility assessment fees for 3 consecutive years. You may also be required to attend substance abuse classes starting at $50 per class and NYS Impaired Driver Program (IDP) starting at around $200. A non-refundable fee of $75 must be paid to enroll for IDP. Apart from these monetary costs, you will have to bear attorney fees. Court appearances for drunk driving offenses can also make you spend more time away from work losing your potential income avenues and precious work hours. Whether it is a first DUI or not, all drunk driving convictions stay permanently on your record and will be available upon background checks which will leave a negative impact on your future employment prospects.
Have you or a loved one been charged with a DWI in New York? Contact DWI Lawyer Albany today for assistance. Call 518-608-2499 to schedule a free consultation to understand your options. Our DWI team handles lots of DUI cases every day and will help you get the fair outcome you deserve in the courtroom. DWI Lawyer Albany is well-known across New York State for protecting the wrongfully accused and helping those facing DWI, DUI, and Drunk Driving charges. DWI Lawyer Albany has successfully defended the rights of thousands of individuals.
