Matthew J. Chauvin
DWI | DWAI Attorney
Contact Us 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week: 518-888-2521
Daytime Business Hours: 518-371-8888
It is striking how much the attitude toward drinking and driving has changed in the last few decades. What used to result in a night in the drunk tank to sober up, now results in a license revocation, a hefty fine and possibly criminal charges. Though drinking and driving is far less common today than it was in the past, it is still one of the most frequently committed crimes in the country. At Ianniello Anderson, P.C. our team of experienced attorneys regularly helps people in eastern upstate New York negotiate the many twists and turns that come with a charge of Driving While Intoxicated “DWI,” Driving While Ability Impaired “DWAI,” or Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs “DWAI Drugs.”
Even if you are guilty of the crime you have been charged with and intend to plead guilty, it is important to hire a first-rate criminal defense lawyer to represent you. This is because the range of punishments for these crimes is very broad, and the choices you make as your case works its way through the judicial system can have very long-lasting and far-reaching consequences.
Although each DWI case is unique, one of the first things we do with every client is go over the range of punishments and other implications of a conviction or guilty plea. Unless you are found not guilty or we uncover problems with the proof presented against you, you are going to have to pay a fine and will have your license suspended for a short period of time (from 90 days to 6 months). You may also have to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle that prevents you from driving drunk by forcing you to pass a breathalyzer each time you want to turn the key. In more serious cases, or if this is not your first conviction, you could face probation and/or jail time. Outside the legal world, you will see a significant and long-lasting increase in your insurance rates since insurance companies now see you as a greater risk.
Fighting the charges is challenging, but not impossible. The prosecutors must prove that you are guilty of whatever crime they have charged you with beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a tough standard to meet, and we try to make it even tougher for them by rebutting the evidence the state presents with our own evidence. The accuracy of field sobriety tests and breathalyzers, the most commonly cited evidence, can be called into question by an experienced defense attorney. We can also show how seriously our client is taking the incident by providing evidence of any driving classes or alcohol counseling programs he or she is participating in.
Whether you want to fight the charges in court or plead guilty to DWI, DWAI, or another reduced charge, the Ianniello Anderson, P.C. team is here to help. Don’t delay; call 518-371-8888 during normal business hours or 518-888-2521 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call today to schedule a free, initial consultation at one of our offices, which are conveniently located in Albany, Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, and Clifton Park. We serve clients from the entire Albany, Amsterdam, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, Schenectady, Saratoga, and Troy metropolitan areas.