Drunk driving has long been a common topic among public safety advocates. Certainly, most people in New York would agree that keeping the roads safe and reducing traffic accidents is important. However, many motorists also recognize that over-vigilance can lead to inaccurate stereotypes about people who are arrested for driving while intoxicated. It is also important for people to remember that not everyone arrested for DWI, DWAI or DUI charges is actually guilty.
A study recently released by Wallet Hub notes that South Dakota, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and North Dakota are the most lenient on people charged with drunk driving. In contrast, Arizona, Kansas, Alaska, West Virginia, and Connecticut are the strictest. New York was called out as number 30 on the list of the harshest states for DUI laws and penalties.
Of specific mention in the story was the fact that New Yorkers can be charged with a felony after a second DUI offense. This is even with no minimum times required in jail for either a first or second drunk driving conviction. Loss of driving privileges can occur for a month. Criminal records in New York will show DUI convictions for 10 years, impacting drivers for a very long time.
Anyone who drives in New York should be aware of the state’s laws and does not even really need a special study to let them know that the state can be hard on those arrested for drunk driving. After such an arrest, it can be helpful to contact a lawyer promptly.
Source: Patch.com, “New York 30th Strictest on DUI Offenses, New Study Shows,” Alfred Branch, July 14, 2015