An FDNY firefighter was arrested for driving under the influence while traveling home from a fallen fireman funeral, according to Patch.com. The firefighter was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusing to take a Breathalyzer test in the 63rd Precinct.
Reports indicate that the firefighter was leaving the funeral when his 2017 Ford Explorer jumped the curb near Marine Parkway and Quentin Road and hit a 31-year-old pedestrian. The firefighter was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court and released on his own recognizance.
Overview of Drunk Driving Laws in New York
If you, or a family member, is charged with drunk driving, it is extremely important to retain the services of a skilled and aggressive DUI defense attorney. The penalties associated with a drunk driving conviction can be life altering. A DWI is categorized as a misdemeanor. This means if you are convicted, you could wind up with a criminal record that haunts you for years, or even the rest of your life. Even a first-time conviction for a DUI/DWI can result in you serving jail time since there are some counties in New York that impose a mandatory 30-day jail sentence for a first-time DWI conviction.
Potential Penalties Associated with a DUI/DWI Conviction
Below is a general overview of just some of the potential penalties associated with a DUI/DWI conviction:
- Suspension of your driver’s license for at least six months;
- Up to three years of probation;
- Large monetary fine of not less than $500 or over $1,000;
- Potential revocation of your vehicle registration for at least six months;
- Required to take a Driver Assessment each year for three years at a cost of $250 a year’
- Mandatory attendance at a Victim Impact Panel; and/or
- Mandatory installation and maintenance of an interlock device on any vehicle you own or operate for at least six months.
If you have a prior DUI/DWI conviction on your record, the penalties only get worse for a second conviction. The same harsh penalties apply if you are convicted of Vehicular Assault in the 1st or 2nd degree, or Vehicular Manslaughter twice within a decade. These convictions can result in the following types of penalties:
- Up to seven years in prison;
- Five years of probation;
- License revocation for at least 18 months;
- A $250 Driver Responsibility Assessment for three years;
- Required attendance at a Victim Impact Panel; and/or
- Mandatory installation and maintenance of an interlock device on any vehicle you operate during probation or conditional discharge.
Contact an Experienced Brooklyn DUI Defense Attorney
As you can see, a DUI/DWI conviction is no joke. It can seriously harm your future if you are found guilty. This is why it is so important to have an experienced and skilled New York DWI lawyer on your side. It is important to understand that not all attorneys are created equal. You deserve the best.
The attorneys with the Bukh Law Firm have an impressive track record in handling complex DUI/DWI and DWAI cases. We have a group of talented and aggressive defense attorneys that have handled cases ranging from actual driving while under the influence to sleeping with a key in the ignition. We have also handled Aggravated DWI and even vehicular manslaughter cases. Take action today by contacting our firm.