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New York City Repeat DWI Defense Lawyer

Any situation that leads to your arrest or the arrest of a loved one for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be both frightening and confusing. So much is at risk: your reputation, relationships, finances, driving privileges, even your job.

When you have a prior conviction, even if you have been a model citizen for many years since then, the risk is even greater. The district attorney and the judge on your case can hold that prior conviction against you when making decisions about current charges and sentencing.

If you are currently facing a DWI charge in New York, you will be treated as a repeat DWI offender if you have a prior related conviction in the past 10 years. An out-of-state conviction counts as if it happened in New York, and all states share this information.

At JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., we understand the risks you are facing with a repeat DWI offense, and we can help. Attorney Joey Jackson is well-known and well-respected in the highly competitive criminal courts of New York City. We have successfully defended many clients on DWI and related criminal charges. With over 25 years of experience, attorney Jackson has in-depth knowledge of state DWI laws and the New York City criminal justice system. Mr. Jackson knows what it takes to mitigate the impact that a repeat DWI can have on your life, and you can rely on him to obtain the best possible result for you.

Impact Of Multiple DWI Convictions

DWI charges and the impact of prior related convictions are governed by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, sections 1192-1193.

If you have been convicted of any of the following crimes in the past 10 years, you will be treated as a repeat DWI offender:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
  • Driving While Ability Impaired by a Controlled Substance (DWAI/Drug).
  • Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Alcohol and/or Drugs (DWAI/Combination).
  • Any vehicular crime that resulted in the serious injury or death of another person.

While a first-time DWI conviction is only a misdemeanor, each subsequent conviction is a felony:

  • A second conviction for DWI, DWAI/Drug or DWAI/Combination within 10 years is a class E felony.
  • A third conviction within 10 years is a class D felony.
  • A fourth conviction within 15 years is a class D felony.

If you go 10 years without a repeat offense, your slate is wiped clean. In other words, if your only prior DWI conviction was more than 10 years ago, you will now be treated as a first-time DWI offender.

Impact Of Multiple DWAI/Alcohol Convictions

Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI/Alcohol) involves a BAC below .08. A first conviction is a traffic violation, which only appears on your driving record. A second conviction in five years is still a traffic violation. A third conviction within 10 years rises to a misdemeanor, which does go on your criminal record.

Manhattan Lawyer For Repeat DWI Defense

If you have been charged with a second or third DWI, you will want to do everything possible to avoid the increasingly severe consequences of a repeat conviction. Contact JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., at 833-563-9522 to schedule a consultation.