DWI Attorney You Can Count on for Immediate Legal Representation in Saratoga County
Being pulled over, arrested, and charged with DWI is a frightening ordeal and one that can lead to confusion and uncertainty about what to do next. Your first step should be to contact a DWI attorney that can examine your case in detail and advise you on the best course of action. At Wood, Seward, & McGuire LLP, our goal is to secure a case dismissal, have charges completely dropped, or minimize the penalty.
What Is a DWI?
DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. The term is often used interchangeably with DUI, which means driving under the influence. While some states may have a distinct definition, in New York there is no legal difference between the two terms.
Another common term is DWAI – driving while ability impaired, meaning you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 to .07. While below the legal limit of .08. you can still be arrested and charged for operating a vehicle while impaired.
Penalties for a DWI
Most DWI cases are classified as a misdemeanor in New York. While it’s not a felony, the repercussions can still be severe and far-reaching. Penalties for first-time offenders may include:
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- Six-month driver’s license suspension
- Up to a one-year prison sentence (first-time offenders with little to no prior criminal convictions can usually avoid jail time)
- Up to three years of probation
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your personal vehicle for six months or longer
As you can see, a DWI carries more serious penalties than other traffic violations. This is why legal counsel is highly advisable.
How We Can Help
Our DWI attorney helps clients fight out of a DWI or DWAI charge, usually by identifying legal flaws in the responding officer’s handling of your arrest. We actively look for police procedural errors, such as:
- Field sobriety test errors
- Lack of probable cause for being pulled over
- Error in the police report
- Misconduct from the arresting officer
- Improper setup of DWI checkpoint
These are just a few ways we have cast doubt in a DWI or DWAI case against our client. We examine the full scope of your case from your actions before and while behind the wheel to the arresting officer’s overall conduct.
DWI Attorney at Your Assistance in Southern Adirondacks
Even if classified as a misdemeanor, a DWI can still cost you thousands of dollars, create major inconvenience, destroy your driving record, and irreparably harm your personal and professional reputation. You need a robust criminal defense strategy from an experienced DWI attorney who will work tirelessly to prevent the infraction from appearing on your record. Give Wood, Seward, & McGuire LLP a call today to receive prompt assistance from a lawyer knowledgeable in New York DWI laws.
Unwavering Assistance from a DWI Attorney in Southern Adirondacks
Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County, Washington County.