Syracuse DWI Lawyer

Have you recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Syracuse, NY? If so, you should contact an experienced Syracuse DWI lawyer as soon as possible. The penalties for drunk driving are severe and may include jail time and expensive fines. Having experienced legal counsel on your side can help you avoid the life-changing effects of a DWI conviction.

In Syracuse, the legal limit for driver over the age of 21 is .08%, while the limit for minors is much lower. An officer may ask you to take a breath, blood, or urine test if he or she believes that you are under the influence of alcohol. If you fail the test, or refuse to take it, your license may be automatically suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

You have a limited timeframe during which to request an administrative hearing in order to retain your driving privileges. Hiring a Syracuse DWI lawyer who is familiar with administrative rules can help you during this time. If your license is suspended, your attorney may help you obtain a limited permit, which would allow you to drive to school and work.

Even if you fail a breath test, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be convicted of drunk driving. Many known problems exist with breath tests. For example, medical conditions such as acid reflux can cause inflated test results. If the machine was not maintained or calibrated properly, the test results may be skewed.

If you are convicted of DWI in Syracuse, the judge may sentence you to incarceration, probation, community service, loss of driving privileges, and expensive fines. In some cases, the judge may order that you have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, at your expense.

In addition to the above penalties, you may be required to attend mandatory alcohol education, assessment, or treatment.

Don’t let a drunk-driving conviction affect the rest of your life. You should contact a Syracuse DWI lawyer to help you face this difficult situation. An attorney can answer any questions you may have regarding your DWI charges and can aggressively defend your case.