Driving While Intoxicated in New York City
In New York, driving While Intoxicated (DWI) means operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08. or higher while positioned behind the wheel with the intent to drive. Intent can be determined in various ways, including having the keys in the ignition, even if the ignition is not turned on.
In many cases, an individual who has been charged with a DWI has had no previous exposure to the criminal justice system. Alcohol-related offenses are taken very seriously in the State of New York and can result in a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. Don’t face the system alone. Jonathan Perez can help.
At Jonathan Perez Law, our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of legal defense possible and to diligently fighting for the rights of our clients. From the moment you are charged with a DWI or other alcohol or drug-related offense, we are right there in your corner, helping protect your legal rights and ensuring the best possible legal outcome for your case.
Example of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New York
A DWI charge typically refers to alcohol intoxication when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, while a DWAI usually pertains to intoxication by drugs. In everyday language, DWI is often used to describe any form of impaired driving. If you are arrested on suspicion of DWI or DWAI, you could face either a misdemeanor or felony charge. This decision depends on the level of alcohol or drugs in your system and any prior convictions for driving under the influence.
New York State enforces strict blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for drivers. For most drivers, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. However, for commercial drivers, the limit is set at 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, any BAC higher than 0.02% can lead to a DWI charge due to the Zero Tolerance Law. These limits are consistent in New York including Manhattan and Nassau County, reflecting the state’s commitment to reducing impaired driving and enhancing road safety.
Navigating the intricacies of the New York criminal justice system can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one are involved in the arraignment process or facing criminal charges, having skilled and knowledgable legal representation is essential.