Someone arrested for a driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense in New York generally has two options when responding to their arraignment. They can defend against the charges that they face or enter a guilty plea. Frequently, people make the mistake of rushing to enter a guilty plea when they may have several viable options for fighting the charges that they face. A failure to really comprehend the potential consequences of a New York DWI offense may contribute to people’s willingness to plead guilty even while they assert that they did not break the law.
Many defendants expect that they can avoid jail time if this is their first arrest. What they may not realize is that there are other penalties the courts can impose, including license revocation. How long does someone risk losing their driver’s license for after a New York DWI conviction?
Several factors influence the duration of license revocation
The judge handling the sentencing process for a New York DWI offense looks at the impact the offense may have had on others. They also consider someone’s prior record and the alcohol levels recorded at the time of their arrest.
A first DWI charge can lead to someone losing their license for up to six months. A second offense within 10 years of the first could lead to a year of license revocation. Third and subsequent offenses can also lead to a year-long revocation, possibly an even longer revocation. Those convicted of an aggravated DWI due to elevated blood alcohol levels can face a year-long revocation for a first offense and an 18-month revocation for subsequent offenses within a decade of the first.
Losing a license can be a major hardship for someone who has to drive for work or who takes care of young children regularly. License revocation can be very inconvenient and also quite expensive, as obtaining alternative forms of transportation can add up to hundreds of dollars a month. The loss of driving privileges could even put someone at risk of losing their job in some cases.
Those aware of the potential consequences that could accompany a guilty plea to a DWI offense may feel more motivated to fight the allegations that they face. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to learn more.