Reader’s Question:

I was arrested for the first time because of a DUI offense in Buffalo, New York. Many had advised me to go and contact a lawyer to represent me in court. Will the court hold it against me if I hire a lawyer and contest my DUI charge and does that mean that my case will go to trial automatically if I hire a lawyer?

Parker

Buffalo, NY

Absolutely not, the court will not hold it against you if you hire a lawyer and contest you DUI charge in Buffalo, New York. It is actually your constitutional right to challenge any criminal allegations and related evidence that will be used against you. As a matter of fact, most judges are more comfortable presiding over cases, including DUI case, involving defendants who are represented by counsel, as lawyers are much more familiar and accustomed to the formalities and procedures of the court than self-representing defendants, whose lack of legal experience is often perceived as disruptive.

Also, if you hire a lawyer, it does not automatically mean that your DUI case will go to trial. In fact, the lawyer you will be hiring is just as important as to how they go about resolving your DUI case. A reputable lawyer who is well known for his DUI Jury Trial victories by the District Attorney’s office and his peers, much less apt to be challenged in the courtroom due to the likeliness of the Prosecutor’s defeat. The State actually seeks to try only cases that they are likely to win; an experienced trial lawyer acting on your behalf will likely thwart an effort to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.

Tags: DUI, DUI advice, DUI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

I haven’t actually been arrested for drunk driving here in Bronx, New York. But I know a lot of people who have already been charged with DUI. I’m just curious, can a person be convicted of a DUI without consuming alcohol? If ever I get arrested for DUI, should I take the field sobriety test?

Alma

Bronx, NY

In New York, anyone can be convicted of a DUI without consuming alcohol. That’s because a person can be convicted of DUI by being under the influence of a controlled substance (for example, marijuana or prescription medications), even legal prescription medications prescribed by a doctor, or any other substance that renders a person incapable of driving safely, which can include glues, paints, or even over-the-counter medications.

Should you be caught with drunk driving in Bronx, New York, you can refuse to take the field sobriety test (FST) for there is no reason to give a jury more evidence to convict. The police officer has normally already decided to arrest you anyway. FST just gives them more ammunition at trial, and the tests are completely subjective. However, if you do take the FST and fail, there are several means to attack that evidence at trial. One defense that you can use is if the procedures on FST’s are not properly followed by the police officer.

Tags: DUI, DUI advice

Reader’s Question:

My cousin was arrested for DUI in Queens, New York. He didn’t drink alcohol nor took any intoxicated substance before driving but the breath test detected that he had alcohol in his system. The police officer also saw on him symptoms of intoxication. How did this happen and in what ways can he beat the DUI charge?

Ethel

Queens, NY

If your cousin did not take any intoxicated substance before driving when he got arrested for DUI in Queens, New York, there are often innocent explanations for the symptoms of intoxication. Police officers often claim to have observed certain “objective symptoms of intoxication” in the DUI suspect. The list includes bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, a flushed face and an unsteady gait. In any event, non-alcohol causes can often explain these observations. Fatigue, allergies and eye strain, for example, cause bloodshot eyes. Embarrassment, anger and nervousness over the DUI traffic stop cause flushing. Fluster and intimidation cause slurred speech.

DUI Breath alcohol testing machines also detect non-alcohol compounds, which they often mistake for alcohol. Among the compounds most commonly mistaken for alcohol are acetonitrile, diethyl ether, ethylene, isopropanol, nitrous oxide and toluene. The presence of any of these compounds in the person suspected for DUI would likely cause a false, or falsely high, blood alcohol reading.

Tags: drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI advice, DUI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

I know that it would take some time before I can obtain cheap car insurance after my DWI conviction here in Oyster Bay, New York. Could you give me some tips that can help me return my insurance rates to a lower price after my DWI?

Larry

Oyster Bay, NY

Since you have been convicted for DWI in Oyster Bay, New York, the biggest tip to lower you insurance rates is to make sure that you satisfy any requirements that are set upon you by the court system and this could be a wide range of things. You may need to enrol in Alcoholics Anonymous or enrol and complete a defensive driving program. You may be ordered by the judge to complete a drug or alcohol rehabilitation course if the charges are serious enough. This is very much crucial as it shows your willingness to admit a mistake and learn from it.

The most important thing you can do when talking to agents or brokers when you are looking for car insurance after your DWI is to be completely honest. This is because part of the process taken by car insurance companies is to run a background check and review your driving history as an assessment for risk. They will find out about your driving history if you are not honest with the car insurance company. Being honest with them can save you from embarrassment and it shows your willingness to be open about your past driving issues. While some insurance companies will not insure drivers with a DWI on their record, another good option is to let your current insurance carrier know about your DWI.

Tags: drunk driving insurance, DWI lawyer, insurance

Reader’s Question:

My brother was charged with DWI here in New York and it seems that he is working with such a good DWI lawyer. I overheard one time that they will use as a defense that the police officer didn’t have probable cause to stop him during the arrest. What does it mean that the police officer didn’t have probable cause to arrest him?

Chloe

Greenburgh, NY

The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution guards the people against unreasonable searches and seizures. This amendment specifies judicially sanctioned search should be supported by probable cause. In a New York DWI arrest, despite having what appears like “ironclad” evidence, prosecutors cannot obtain a conviction if the initial arrest was made without probable cause.

The probable cause standard means that in order to pull a motorist over, the police officer must have a reasonable belief that the driver is driving while intoxicated. A good DWI defense lawyer will question the presence of probable cause in court. In order for an officer to make a DWI stop, the driver must be swerving erratically while driving, stopping abruptly for no reason, drifting between lanes, making excessively wide turns or driving at extremely high or low speeds.

If the police officer cannot present solid justification that he had a good reason to pull someone over, the violation of the Constitutional rights immediately voids any evidence against the person resulting from the arrest, and the case is likely to be dismissed.

Tags: DUI, DWI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

I have not been caught drunk driving but I know a lot of people who have been arrested and charged with DWI here in New York. If ever I will be in the same situation, what are the things that I should do?

Ben

Brookhaven, NY

For someone who drinks and drive, you have to be aware that chances of being pulled over by the police are very high. Police officers are cracking down on drinking and driving and would use any lawful justification to pull you over in order to probe further if you are driving while impaired.

If you will be caught drunk driving in New York, as with most people, your first tendency is to cooperate as much as possible with the police officer; and that is very good. Be polite and cooperate with the officer, such as by tendering your driver’s license and registration as well as your proof of insurance. However, the second tendency for those pulled over is to convince the officer that officer they are not impaired over the legal limit or convince the officer that they should not be arrested. Keep in mind that this is absolutely the worst thing you can do because of the evidence you will end up giving the police officer. Whatever the police officer asks you, don’t answer any of those questions. Let the police officer know that you are happy to cooperate with him, but you wish to maintain your right to remain silent and not self-incriminate yourself as governed by the Fifth Amendment.

Tags: DWI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

I have a DWI conviction here in New York. I was asked to file SR22 auto insurance so that I can get my license reinstated. What is an SR22 and why do I have to get it? How do I file for SR22?

Brent

Amherst, NY

An SR22 Filing is a form issued by your insurance company which will remove a suspension order placed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your driving privilege. The SR22 filing provides a guarantee to the New York DMV that an insurance company has issued at least minimum liability coverage for you and that your insurance company will notify the DMV should the insurance ever lapse for any reason.

The reason why you have to get or file for SR22 is because of your DWI conviction. People whose driver’s license is under suspension by the New York DMV need an SR22 to reinstate their license. You can call the DMV to ask them what other DMV fees are needed to reinstate your license. Usually, there’s a $55 reinstatement fee.

If your insurance company can issue the SR22 filing, this should not be a problem on your part in getting your license back. But if they don’t issue SR22 filing, you have to be in search of a new insurance company who would give you coverage and issue an SR22.

Tags: DWI lawyer, SR22 insurance

Reader’s Question:

It was very unfortunate for my sister to have been charged with DUI here in Manhattan, New York. She’s hesitant on hiring a DUI lawyer because they say that it is costly to hire one. Is it true that hiring a DUI lawyer can be expensive?

Kris

Manhattan, NY

Services of an expert and efficient DUI lawyer in Manhattan, New York may come at a price. It is often seen that many high profile DUI lawyers charge exorbitant fees for defending their clients on their DUI charges. Their years of experience and confidence of winning the case lead them to charge such high rates.

Most DUI lawyers agree to work on a contingency basis. If the contract is based on contingency, fee charges may be set at a prearranged percentage of whatever the compensation or claim amount might be. The defendant does not need to pay the attorney’s fees if claim is not refunded. Paying on contingency can enable people charged with DUI to hire the services of an expensive attorney even though they may not have enough financial resources available to pay for it.

A DUI lawyer could give your sister a good defense in fighting her charge. DUI lawyers are familiar with procedures for blood analysis, urine analysis and breath tests. The lawyer could be able to guide your sister through such procedures with minimum discomfort. By having the services of an experienced DUI lawyer, even though it may be expensive, it can be all worth it in the end because it will give your sister a higher chance of getting the DUI charges reduced or better yet, having it dropped.

Reader’s Question:

I live in New York and I was arrested for the first time ever last weekend for DWI in New York. What do I have to do after a DWI arrest?

Larry

Albany, New York

Thanks Larry for your question. Many people think that a DWI arrest or drunk driving arrest in New York is just similar to a simple traffic citation. You’ll have to think again. A conviction for a drunk driving offense or a DWI arrest in New York will actually result in a significant criminal record, and can potentially result in hefty fines and possible jail time or term of probation.First, if a policeman suspects that you may be drunk, it is safer to remain silent to avoid any questions that may be asked. Some people feel guilty and start confessing, but if in fact you’re really drinking, it will be best not to admit it. This admission may be used as probable cause and lead to a DWI arrest. Usually, this maybe enough to charge you with a DWI offense even though you’re below the limit. Please keep in mind that you have legal rights stated in the Miranda rights, to remain silent and to be represented by a counsel.Not only you’ll be charged with a criminal offense, you will also have to face administrative penalties with New York DMW and fight for your license or maintain a restricted license so that you can still drive to work.

Most especially, you have to consult a skilled DWI defense attorney after a DWI arrest. The best way to know your rights, and to make sure they are protected, is to speak with an experienced lawyer who practices drunk driving defense law.

Reader’s Question:

I know a friend who is a first time offender of DWI in Ney York, is there a big chance to fight a DWI case?

Denise

Albany, NY

That’s actually a frequent question I get Denise. I generally suggest that you fight a DWI case in New York, especially when there are certain apparent problems in the paperwork or chemical tests. When I say fight, it means that at least you go through the preliminary stages of fighting the case including a motion and a suppression hearing. Once that stage is over, you will have a much better idea at the chances of your trial, and your lawyer can almost always negotiate a good arrangement at that early stage.

However, there are certain consequences you have to face in fighting a DWI case. First of all, in the state of New York, the driver is usually suspended while there’s a pending case (if the BAC level is at 0.08 or above). Also, many drivers can’t drive until they get a conditional license until 30 days after their suspension starts, the 30 days don’t count against any later suspension. Second, the attorney fee for that process is substantially higher than making a deal.

Finally, many defendants feel guilty about their conduct (even when they’re actually innocent) and the fight can be somewhat traumatic especially since it’s a first time offense. However, the long-term consequence of having a DWI offense on your record is significant. In a sense this record never really goes away as it can affect your career, status in the military, and is particularly significant if you get charged with another DUI offense in the future.