Westchester County Felony DWI Lawyer
New York DUI laws and penalties were drastically overhauled in 2006 and 2007, and new proposals to make them even stricter continue. One change that may concern you directly today is that being arrested and found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.18 percent or higher can lead to a charge of aggravated DWI.
Although aggravated DWI without causing injury or a fatality is a misdemeanor, the consequences of conviction are more severe than for a "regular" DWI. If you have been charged with aggravated DWI, lawyer Tom Vasti will look hard at your needs and all legal options. Please contact us at Vasti & Vasti, P.C. today.
Understand Consequences Before You Make Pivotal Decisions
As of early 2010, penalties for aggravated DWI in New York include a fine of $1,000 to $2,500 and driver's license suspension for a minimum of one full year — essentially, double the consequences of a standard DWI. The law also allows for up to a one-year jail sentence, even for a first offense — and any prior convictions are likely to have a greater impact.
We understand that these consequences can be personally crippling, and our lawyer is committed to treating your aggravated DWI or felony DWI case with all the focus and diligence it demands. We stand ready to:
- Investigate every aspect of your arrest, police reports, any video and other evidence in the effort to uncover mistakes and weaknesses enabling us to fight the charge successfully
- Level with you about the real costs and impact you are likely to face, as well as mandatory plea bargain restrictions and policies enforced by the courts in Hudson Valley counties including Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Westchester, Orange and Columbia County
- Offer guidance on requirements such as a mandatory alcohol evaluation — or pursue a credible, qualified independent evaluation that may be useful in negotiations with the prosecution
Consult a Defense Attorney Who Will Care About Your Future
While we fully support state and local efforts to keep dangerous drivers off the roads — and driving at a high level of intoxication is undeniably dangerous — we believe in fighting for outcomes that enable people to recover financially and personally. For the experienced counsel and representation you need after an aggravated DWI arrest, please call or e-mail lawyer Tom Vasti in Pleasant Valley.
