DWI Defense for New York State Drivers Under 21
With a zero tolerance policy in effect for underage drivers, New York State provides harsh consequences for any driver under 21 who is found to have any measurable blood alcohol concentration. Even a level of .02 percent can support a drunk driving conviction against an underage driver.
Call 888-405-1364 or 585-682-2114 for Advice About Underage Alcohol Offenses
If you need advice about your options for resolving a DWI charge against a driver under 21, contact an attorney at Michalski Militello LLP in Rochester or Avon. We help people facing criminal charges related to drinking and driving, whether they involve adult, student or teenage motorists. Our understanding of the special challenges that underage drivers face in DWI defense can help protect your interests.
Especially in cases involving first-time offenders, we can explore your options for a compromise plea on terms that will protect your record and your license. In a case where the blood alcohol level was around or below .08 percent, an underage driver with no previous convictions will often have the chance to plead to a DWAI charge, which is more like a traffic ticket than a criminal offense. You might end up with a 90-day license suspension, but that outcome is a lot easier to live with than the 6-month suspension that would follow a zero tolerance DWI conviction.
Our lawyers work closely with each client in order to ensure that our defense strategies fit your needs and future interests. Your most promising options might vary depending on whether and where you're going to school, whether you need to drive every day for a job or classes, or whether you're working toward a career in certain licensed or restricted professions.
Even in situations where you're facing penalties that exceed the standard punishment for underage drinking and driving, you should keep in mind that an experienced defense lawyer can often spot weaknesses in the government's proof of the offense charged. To learn about the ideas that might work best in your DWI or DWAI defense, contact Michalski Militello for a free consultation about your legal options.
