Facing a DWI charge can feel overwhelming, especially since these cases are handled in criminal court. While you have the right to represent yourself, the stakes are high.
By seeking legal representation, you ensure your rights are protected throughout the proceedings. Our law firm is specialized in defense services, as our team is dedicated to protecting your reputation and future.
A skilled Utica DWI lawyer will help minimize the life-changing consequences of these charges on your life, career, finances, and family.
What Constitutes a DWI Charge in Utica?
Utica is governed by New York’s strict drunk driving laws. Consuming any amount of alcohol will impair your coordination and judgment while driving a vehicle. Furthermore, illegal substances and certain prescription medications can also affect your ability to operate a car safely.
Alcohol and drug-related violations in New York include:
- DWI: Driving a vehicle while impaired or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%; commercial drivers must meet a stricter standard of .04%.
- Alcohol-DWAI: Under VTL 1192-1 DWAI, you should not operate a vehicle while your driving ability is impaired to any extent by alcohol.
- Drug-DWAI: Similarly to the previous violation, you must not operate a vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired to any extent by drugs other than alcohol.
- Zero Tolerance: Drivers under 21 years operating a car while intoxicated with any alcohol can be charged with violating New York’s Zero Tolerance Law.
- Aggravated DWI: If a driver is operating a car with a BAC of 0.18% or higher while having a 15 years old (or younger) passenger, they may be charged with aggravated DWI.
A qualified defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and provide guidance on building an effective strategy for your case. In addition to providing legal defense services, we offer support during these stressful times.
Penalties Upon Conviction
If you are charged with a DWI in Utica, you may face a series of penalties, depending on the severity of your case. Being convicted for a DWI is considered a serious offense that can lead to:
- Steep fines
- License suspension or revocation
- Jail time
- Mandatory attendance in treatment programs
- Ignition interlock device installed in your car
A DWI attorney serving Utica will fight to have the charges against you dismissed or diminished, so you don’t have to face the harshest penalties, including fines or prison time. Legal representation for your case can make all the difference for your future.
Building a Strong DWI Defense
Your chances of beating a DWI charge are slim unless you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you. First-time offenders often receive softer penalties for their offenses, but repeat offenders should consult with a DWI lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested.
Building a strong defense against a DWI charge begins with the right legal help. An experienced lawyer can help formulate an effective strategy for ensuring all aspects of your case are considered.
Your lawyer can investigate any potential issues related to field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and other evidence concerning your charge. They can also identify which defense best suits your case or negotiate a plea bargain if necessary.
How Can Our DWI Attorneys Help?
Our firm is dedicated to defending those accused of drunk driving. Being charged with DWI doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be convicted or lose your driving privileges, but you’ll need an experienced lawyer.
Navigate the New York Legal System
The State of New York is known for having some of the country’s toughest and most complex DWI laws. Without guidance from an experienced attorney, navigating the New York legal system may quickly become burdensome.
Over 15 years ago, we recognized deficiencies in how New York DWI cases were prosecuted and defended. As a result, we devoted our practice to DWI defense, and since then, we have gained unrivaled expertise in these types of cases.
Specialized Legal Knowledge
Other lawyers who don’t exclusively practice DWI law are often unaware of the changes in the legislation, how to conduct a field sobriety test properly, how infrared breath test and fuel cell machines operate, or what a blood-breath partition ratio is.
Working with a DWI defense lawyer can help you save time and money while fighting together to secure a better future for you and your family.
Our legal team knows the DWI law’s ins and outs and can provide you with cutting-edge defense strategies to secure the best possible outcome. This helps ensure any issues you encounter are addressed correctly.
We Have a History of Winning Cases
Our criminal defense lawyers have successfully defended thousands of individuals charged with DWI throughout our practice. We are driven to achieve each case’s best possible outcome and offer a safe and trusting environment.
You can learn more about what to expect when working with our law firm by reading these client testimonies:
“Tom Anelli and his team are not only professional, kind, and compassionate, but when it comes to representing you, their knowledge, experience, and expertise are second to none. So do yourself a favor and look no further. When it comes to DWI, this team of professionals knows exactly what their doing.” – Jessica Falcone.
“Throughout the two and a half years of my case, everyone at Tom Anelli has been very helpful and supportive, and always there when I needed them. Thank you.” – Karl B.
Contact Our DWI Lawyers in the Greater Utica Area
At Tom Anelli & Associates, we specialize in building the strongest defense possible for clients charged with DWIs. We offer cutting-edge defense strategies tailored to each case.
Our lawyers will review your case’s details and evaluate them from a legal perspective. We will work hard for a favorable outcome while protecting your legal rights throughout the process. Contact our DWI-focused law firm for legal advice and a free initial consultation.