914-996-4511
DUI

Westchester County DUI Attorney

Drunk Driving Charges in NY

If you were arrested and have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired by drugs, it is important that you contact an experienced DUI attorney to defend your rights. Westchester County DUI lawyer John Raimondo has obtained multiple not guilty jury verdicts in tough DUI cases.

In a relatively recent victory, John’s client was found not guilty by a jury of all charges despite blowing a 0.18 (more than two times the legal limit) on an admissible breathalyzer test and being behind the wheel of the vehicle at the time of arrest. John used his extensive experience in DUI defense, including his familiarity with the pattern jury instructions to convince a jury that even though his client was behind the wheel of the vehicle and was more than twice the legal limit, it should acquit his client. John has had several other DUI victories in tough cases, including several not guilty jury verdicts in Westchester County, including in the City of White Plains. Attorney Raimondo has defended more than 1,000 criminal cases throughout Westchester County and the greater metropolitan area.

Contact our Westchester County DUI defense lawyer at (914) 996-4511 to start your defense.

DUI Arraignment in NY

After being arrested for DUI in New York, you will be brought before a Judge whereat you will be arraigned on the charges are being brought against you. In most cases, the Court will take immediate steps to suspend your ability to operate a motor vehicle. It is critical that you are arraigned with a Westchester County DUI attorney at your side who knows your rights, including how to go about requesting a hardship license if you are eligible.

NYS Hardship License

In New York, a hardship license will allow you to continue driving while your case is pending. The hearing requires the presentation of proof by the accused that you have no viable transportation alternatives. This is done through your attorney, to establish the basis for the Court to award a hardship license.

Without an experienced Westchester County DUI attorney advocating for you, a hardship license is likely to be denied, and therefore, you will not be able to drive, including to and from work.

Let our White Plains DWI attorney protect your rights. Contact us today.

What is The DMV Refusal Hearing?

If you have been arrested for DUI, you may have refused to take a breathalyzer or other type of chemical test. In some instances, a dishonest police officer may even falsely claim you refused. If there is an allegation you refused to take a test, then the DMV will take administrative action against your license, which action will prevent you from driving. The only opportunity you will have to challenge the DMV action against your license, and have the opportunity to continue to drive during the criminal prosecution is to attend a hearing at the DMV with an experienced Westchester County DUI attorney who understands the hearing rules and who can give you the best chance of winning the hearing. White Plains DUI defense lawyer, John Raimondo, has litigated more than a hundred DUI hearings and has the experience you require when facing the prospect of losing your ability to drive. The hearing is not only critical in relation to keeping your driving privileges, but is may be the only opportunity you have to obtain sworn testimony of the arresting officer which can be used against the prosecution in defending against the criminal charges.

Common Types Of DUI Charges in NY

  • Driving Under the Influence – Having a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher
  • Aggravated Driving Under the Influence – Having a .18 BAC or higher

Penalties for DUI in New York State

The potential penalties faced in connection with a DUI charge largely depends on the prior history of the accused (including their age and the type of license held), the level of the alcohol found in one’s blood and whether anyone was injured in connection with the operation of the motor vehicle.

Penalties associated with a DUI conviction in New York include:

  • High fines: In the best scenario, a $500 fine will be imposed against you, which does not include paying other fees to the court. Multiple DUI convictions, or a conviction for a DUI that caused death or injury is likely to result in a much higher fine structure.
  • Jail time: DUI convictions in New York may include jail time.
  • License suspension: If you are convicted for a DUI, you will likely lose your license for a specified period. It is important to retain a Westchester County DUI attorney who knows how to best limit your exposure.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID): In the majority of DUI cases in New York, under circumstances where a person is convicted, the accused is required to install an interlock device on any vehicle they own or have access to. It is critical the attorney understands, and has experience working with the rules relating to the interlock requirements.

The ability to navigate through the plea bargaining process and the negotiations surrounding different penalty options requires the involvement of an experienced DWI attorney in Westchester County, NY. Even if you ultimately decide not to take a plea and instead proceed to trial, it is imperative that you retain an attorney who is able to explore the options with you and provide knowledgeable and trustworthy legal advice. Your driving privileges are often critical to your livelihood and should only be trusted with an attorney capable of looking at every angle which is available to you, and if necessary, with the experience to proceed to trial.

Experienced. Aggressive. Reliable. - (914) 996-4511

If you were arrested for DUI or a related charge in White Plains, Westchester County, or another nearby location, you should speak with an experienced White Plains DUI attorney from our firm immediately. Contact our Westchester County DUI defense lawyer, Mr. John Raimondo, to have your case evaluated by someone who has handled thousands of criminal cases.

Schedule a free consultation with the firm to discuss your options with our Westchester County DUI lawyer.