Manhattan Attorney Handles Prior DWI Bump Up Cases in New York City

Defense Lawyer in The Bronx for Second and Subsequent Drunk Driving Charges

When you are facing charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI), it is understandable that you might be confused and overwhelmed by the seriousness of the situation. Your relationships, reputation, career, and possibly your freedom may be at risk if you are convicted. Such risks are even greater if you have a drunk driving-related conviction on your record, as the law in New York State allows your current charges to be "bumped up" based on your past.

At The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC, we know what is at stake when you have been charged with DWI and you have a prior conviction. Even if you have not had as much as a speeding ticket since your conviction, if it has been ten (10) years or less, you are likely to face felony charges with a corresponding increase in the possible penalties. The good news is that you do not need to face such charges alone. We are here to help navigate the New York State criminal justice system while ensuring that your rights and best interests are fully protected.

Brooklyn Attorney Who Understands New York's Bump Up Laws

Everyone makes mistakes, and for some people, it can be easy to get behind the wheel without realizing exactly how intoxicated they really are. With that in mind, the penalties for a first-time DWI in New York are relatively less severe than the consequences associated with a second, third, or subsequent DWI charge. Specifically, New York State law considers a person to be a repeat offender if he or she was convicted of DWI in New York or an equivalent offense in any other state within the last ten (10) years.

Prior convictions that are considered include:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI): Operating a motor vehicle on a public road with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher;
• Aggravated DWI: Operating a motor vehicle on a public road with a BAC of 0.18 or higher;
• Driving while ability impaired by a controlled substance (DWAI/Drugs): Operating a motor vehicle on a public road while under the influence of an illicit drug or prescription medication;
• DWAI/Combination: Operating a motor vehicle on a public road while under the influence of both alcohol and drugs; or
• Any motor-vehicle related offense that caused injury or death to another person.

Most first-offense DWI convictions are misdemeanors, but a bumped-up charge is prosecuted as a felony. A second conviction in ten (10) years is a Class E felony, punishable by up to four (4) years in prison, fines of up to $5,000, a license revocation of at least one (1) year, and the required installation of an ignition interlock device. A third or fourth conviction is a Class D felony, with penalties that include up to seven (7) years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Experienced Defense Counsel in Westchester County and Nassau County

With more than 25 years of experience in the practice of criminal law, Attorney Gregory J. Watford is a seasoned and compassionate criminal defense lawyer who has established an impressive history of success. As a former prosecutor, he knows the methods and tactics that district attorneys tend to use to secure convictions in repeat DWI cases. Prior to passing the bar, Mr. Watford also spent over a decade working in law enforcement. With his background in criminal investigations, he knows the justice system inside and out, from crime scenes to the courtroom. He is ready and willing to put his first-hand knowledge and experience to work for you.

Mr. Watford and the rest of the team at The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC will conduct a full review of your arrest and the details surrounding it. We will sit down with you to discuss your available options, and help you make the best decision about how to proceed. In some cases, it may be best to negotiate with prosecutors in pursuit of some type of plea deal, while in others, the best option is to fight the charges altogether, taking the case to trial if necessary. Either way, our team will be at your side at every step, protecting your rights and minimizing the potential damage to your future.

Call 646-580-6675 Today

To learn more about our team and how we can help you fight against bumped-up DWI charges, contact our office. Call 646-580-6675 to schedule a confidential consultation and case review today. We represent clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Mt. Vernon, Mineola, New City, White Plains, New York County, Kings County, Bronx County, Queens County, Westchester County, Nassau County, Rockland County, and the surrounding areas.