If you are getting pulled over for drunk driving, you probably have no idea what to expect. In a large city like New York, whose laws are often very tight, and the legal process can sometimes be extremely rapid, you might not understand what’s next and how it may impact your record or future.
That’s right, where a DUI attorney comes in, not just to help you, but also to impose serious penalties. A good attorney will be able to cut a deal between a second chance and a long-term punishment.
In this post we’ll be talking about what happens when you ‘re charged with serious traffic violations, what a DUI lawyer is/does, and how to find someone you trust to help you get what you deserve.
What Happens When You’re Charged With a DUI in NYC?
First, let’s break down what a DUI charge really means in New York. In New York, a DUI is often called a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). It refers to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. But even if your BAC is lower, you can still be charged, if the police believe your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If you’re pulled over and charged, you might face:
- Immediate license suspension
- Pending criminal charges
- Fines and fees
- Possible jail time
- Mandatory classes or rehab
- Permanent criminal record
- Job loss
The process moves quickly. You’ll likely be given a court date, and depending on your case, you could face serious consequences within weeks. This is the reason why time matters. You need someone, who knows how to act fast and protect your rights.
What a Traffic Lawyer Actually Does
A DUI attorney isn’t just someone, who shows up to court with you. They are trained to handle everything from the moment you’re arrested until the end result. They know the legal system, the local courts and do their best to either reduce the charges or get them dropped or fight for the best result for you.
Your attorney will go through all the facts against you. They could be the results of the breathalyzer test, the police report, the dashcam video, or the witness’s testimony. There might have been some sort of error on how you were tested or arrested. Sometimes people just lose cases because of a few small legal mistakes.
A good criminal defense attorney also speaks for you in court. They know how to talk to the judge, what to say to the prosecutor, and how to present your side of the story as best as possible. They will do all they can to protect your license, your job, your future.
Why You Shouldn’t Face It Alone
It’s easy to think that you can explain yourself to the judge and everything will be okay. But the truth is, DUI laws in the Tri-state area very strict. Prosecutors often want to make an example of people to keep the roads safe.
Without a trained attorney, you might not understand your rights. You may even agree to something without knowing the long-term effects. A good attorney helps you avoid saying or doing something that could make your situation worse.
They also make sure your punishment, if there is one, fits the situation and not more. Many people charged with DUI are first-time offenders. A good attorney will make sure the court knows who you are beyond that one mistake.
What Makes a Good Traffic Lawyer in New York?
Not every lawyer is the same. When it comes to DUI cases, you want someone, who knows local traffic and criminal laws very well. You also want someone, who has experience with traffic cases specifically, not just general law.
A good attorney will
- Offer a clear explanation of your options
- Be honest with you about your case and possible outcomes
- Keep you updated at every step
- Handle the paperwork and deadlines
- Know when to negotiate and when to fight in court
Trust is key. You should feel comfortable with your lawyer and confident that they care about the outcome as much as you do.
What If This Isn’t Your First DUI?
If you’ve been charged before, the stakes are even higher. If you get a 2nd / 3rd DUI charge, you can get a longer suspension of your license, pay more if you get convicted, go to jail, and may have to get an ignition interlock device placed on your car.
Because of the seriousness of the charge, you need an experienced lawyer, and they may be able to convince the court that you have made changes in your life, such as going to treatment/seeking counseling, to mitigate the punishment.
Moving Forward After a DUI Arrest
An arrest can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to be. It just takes the right legal help and support to get there, get out of jail, keep your job, and go on with your life.
IMPORTANT TIP: Do this ASAP. If you wait too long to contact a DUI attorney, your case can seriously suffer. If you’ve been arrested, do not wait. Get in touch with a qualified DUI attorney who knows the system and will fight for you.
Final Thoughts
Being charged with a DUI offense is serious, but it’s not the end of your story. With the help of a knowledgeable and caring DUI lawyer in the Tri-state area, you can face the legal process confidently, and aim for the best possible outcome.
Whether it is your first offense or not, there is hope. The right attorney will guide you and defend your rights, and will fight for you to get the best possible outcome.
