Albany NY DUI/DWAI Attorneys | Albany County, New York DUI/DWAI Lawyers | Albany DUI/DWAI/DWI Law Firms

Need a DWI/DUI/DWAI attorney in Albany, New York?

Have you been charged with an alcohol-related or drug-related offense while driving in or around Albany, New York? If so, then you may wan to meet with a DWAI/DWI Albany attorney. Before you throw your hands up and do jail time or pay a fine, contact an Albany DWAI/DWI lawyer to possibly (1) have the charges dropped, or (2) have a lesser degree of charges applied against you.

Consequences of a DWAI or DWI in Albany, New York

The consequences of a DWAI or DWI in the City of Albany can be difficult to live with. The capital city of Albany is home to a population of about 300,000 people. A large percentage of the working population is employed either by the state, local, or federal governments. Many of these government positions have strict employment requirements. Charges of DWI or DWAI can make it difficult to retain an employment position, and in some cases, excessive or egregious charges can lead to termination of employment. A DWAI or DWI can lead to revocation of a commercial license. Younger drivers also face difficult consequences. Admissions at many of the local and national colleges look with fervent disfavor at a DWAI or DWI charge. A DWAI or DWI can make admittance or a scholarship at colleges like Sage College, University of Albany (SUNY), and the College of Saint Rose, impossible. Moreover, a DWAI or DWI leaves a serious mark on your record: it is a criminal charge. By refusing to fight a DWAI or DWI, you are pleading guilty to a crime. A person charged with a DWAI or DWI may also be dropped from his/her insurance coverage. Regardless, the insurance rates for a driver with a DWAI or DWI are substantially higher than those people without one. In New York state, a DWAI or DWI may lead to a mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your own car. Lastly, a DWAI or DWI often results in a loss or suspension of your own license under New York state law.

Contact an Albany DWAI/DWI attorney. These attorneys have experience dealing with the Albany courts, and the local system there. Albany DWI/DWAI attorneys may be able to exercise defenses to your charges that you never would have had the chance to make on your own. For example, many DWAI/DWI attorneys know how to check whether the breathalyzer was used properly, or whether the police officer had enough evidence to charge you with your crime at its inception. You can contact an experienced Albany DWAI/DWI attorney by filling out the form on the left.

Does New York State have a DUI law? What is the difference between DWAI and DWI?

DUI/DWAI

No, New York State does not have a DUI law. However, New York does have a DWAI law that resembles many states’ DUI laws. DWAI stands for “Driving While Ability Impaired”, and it is assessed for having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 to .07, or other evidence of impairment (for normal drivers 21 and older). DWAI’s are also assessed against drivers who are under the influence of drugs other than alcohol.

DWI

New York’s DWI laws (Driving While Intoxicated) requires a BAC of .08 or higher, or other evidence of impairment. New York also has an aggravated DWI for drivers with a BAC of .18 and higher.

Commercial/Under 21 Years of Age

Stricter standards apply for commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21.

For specific details, go to the NYS DMV site here.

Contact An Albany DWAI/DWI Defense Lawyer

Contact an Albany DWAI/DWI defense lawyer to protect your rights. The nature of a DWAI or DWI charge is a serious mark on your record. As already expressed, a DWI or DWAI can potentially get you fired from your job, or make finding new employment much more difficult or impossible. Those charged with a DWAI or DWI, and found guilty automatically lose their license for a given amount of time. That would leave you at the mercy of catching a ride from friends or using the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA) bus system.

Contact an Albany DWAI/DWI defense lawyer to go over your case today. By filling out the questionnaire on this website, you are under not obligation to pay for an attorney. An attorney will contact you to discuss whether you would like legal representation. No attorney client privileges are created by filling out a questionnaire.

Resources

An Albany attorney may need to represent you in a short list of different courts. Here is the information for those local Albany courts.

Traffic Courts

Criminal Courts

NY DMV-approved accident prevention courses

Finding Help with Alcoholism in the Albany Area

In the event that you or someone you love needs help with fighting alcoholism, the following is a list of treatment facilities in the Albany, New York area.  For a comprehensive listing, you can visit the New York Drug Treatment Centers Website Albany page here.

The Albany DWI/DWAI lawyers that receive your information can serve your head and brain injury needs in Albany, New Scotland, Buckingham Lake – Crestwood, West Hill, Pine Hills, South End, Arbor Hill, Downtown Albany, Beverwyck, Winchester Gables, Whitehall, Melrose, Westland Hills Park, Roessleville, Menands, Loudonville, Siena, Newtonville, and Albany County, Rensselaer County, and Schenectady County.