What are the Penalties for a First-Time DWI Conviction in New York?

At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, our Albany Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) defense attorneys have spent over a decade successfully representing drivers arrested for suspicion of DWI in New York.

This means our Albany County defense lawyers fully understand the penalties for a first-time DWI conviction in New York can vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances, including our client’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of arrest and any aggravating factors that may increase their charges.

Here, we discuss how even a first-time DWI conviction can impact your life.

What are the Legal Consequences of a First-Time DWI Conviction in New York?

According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, driving while under the influence of alcohol is a charge that may result if a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.

First-offense DWI charges are misdemeanors that carry the following penalties on conviction:

• A license suspension of at least six months, though you may be eligible for a conditional license.
• The installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle.
• Mandatory attendance at a victim impact panel for drunk driving.
• A fine of between $500 and $1,000
• Court fees of approximately $400.
• SR-22 insurance requirement.
• Up to three years of probation.
• Up to one year in jail, though no minimum sentence is required.

We also know that a DWI conviction can change our clients’ lives in multiple ways outside the legal system. In some cases, a DWI conviction can lead to the loss of a professional license, which could cost the individual their job. In other cases, the lack of a license can jeopardize a person’s ability to drive to work or school, causing significant transportation hardships. A DWI conviction can also permanently damage an individual’s reputation and lead to a loss of trust in personal relationships and the community.

This is why we work hard to minimize our clients’ risks and pursue the best outcome for each person’s unique case. Our priority is to prove that you deserve an outcome that supports your future, and we have a strong track record of doing so for our clients.

Contact Our Dedicated Violent Crime Defense Attorneys for Help

Don’t give up your rights without a fight. Contact our Albany violent crime defense attorneys at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC today by calling (518)-391-2369 or contacting us online to schedule your initial appointment.