With the upcoming holiday weekend, people have more time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. Most people have a three-day weekend to get the last beach trip in for the summer or a short vacation. College students are heading back to school and celebrating the beginning of a new school year while ending the summer with some fun. Whether you are going to a barbecue for the end of the summer or casually hanging out with friends, remember to drink responsibly and have a designated driver lined up.
In New York, the holiday weekend results in more police forces due to the celebrations that people take part in, which unfortunately may lead to a rise in drunk driving. When individuals are charged with driving while intoxicated, they are found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or above. If the individual is under the legal drinking age and are found with a BAC indicating alcohol consumption, they may face even greater penalties since they are not legally allowed to drink.
For a first offense, individuals 21 years and older may face penalties varying from fines to license suspension. Fines can be between $500 and $1,000. Your license could be suspended for up to six months. A second charge within 10 years can lead you to a class E felony charge. Fines can increase and so can the time for the duration of the license suspension. Prison time may even be a possibility for some cases.
If it is found that their blood alcohol content was at 0.18% or higher, drivers may face even harsher circumstances. Drivers may be charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated. This is considered to be a very serious offense even worse than a DWI due to the higher BAC level, which indicates further impairment upon the driver’s motor skills. Individuals facing serious charges or multiple repeated offenses may be faced with the penalty of an interlock device. This device is installed in your car to prevent you from driving while intoxicated. Not only will you have the device, you may have to have it installed at your own expense.
The Lauterbach Law Firm is proud to serve clients throughout Rockland County who are faced with legal matters related to estate planning, real estate, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant law, business law, and criminal defense. If you require the services of an experienced team of attorneys, contact The Lauterbach Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
