Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is treated as a serious offense in New York with the potential for significant penalties if you are convicted. One frequently imposed consequence for alcohol-related driving offenses is the suspension or revocation of the offender’s driver’s license for a specified period of time, from 90 days for minor infractions up to 18 months for some felony convictions. While this can reduce the public risk of injury in future drunk driving accidents, it can also create hardship for the person whose license is suspended or revoked if he or she is unable to drive to work, school, and other important locations. If you have been arrested for or convicted of DWI or a similar offense, a criminal defense attorney may be able to help you obtain a conditional license to reduce this hardship.
Obtaining a Conditional Driver’s License in New York
If you are a first-time DWI offender facing relatively minor charges and the State of New York believes your continued driving does not pose a significant risk to other drivers, you may be able to seek a conditional driver’s license. In order to be eligible for a conditional license, you must also attend an Impaired Driver Program approved by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), as well as submit to a drug and alcohol evaluation and any required treatment programs.
A conditional driver’s license does not allow you to drive under all circumstances, but rather makes it possible for you to travel to places that are necessary for you to maintain your livelihood and complete the terms of your sentence. Specifically, it allows you to drive:
- To and from your workplace, and during working hours if your job requires you to drive
- To and from classes at a college, university, or training institution
- To and from medical appointments for necessary treatment for you or your family
- To and from child care if it is required for you to continue employment or enrollment in education
- To and from the Motor Vehicle office and any court-ordered activities associated with your sentence
If you violate the terms of your conditional license or are arrested for another driving, drug, or alcohol-related offense, your conditional license may be revoked, so it is important that you closely adhere to these restrictions.
Contact a New York Criminal Defense Attorney
While it is important to understand the severity of driving under the influence of alcohol, your livelihood should not suffer because of a first-time offense or lesser infraction. If you are facing a DWI conviction in New York, JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC can defend you to prevent excessive charges and seek a sentence that allows you to demonstrate that you can reform your behavior. Call our diligent Queens DWI defense lawyer today at 833-563-9522 to schedule a private consultation to learn more about how we can protect your driving privileges.
Source:
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/conditional-license