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Mary C. Hartill, Attorney at Law
Mary C. Hartill, Attorney at Law
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Serious, Aggressive Defense Against DWI Charges In New York

Drunk driving is a crime that nearly anyone could be charged with. It is among the most common criminal charges nationwide, in part because it often happens by mistake. Nonetheless, the consequences of a DWI conviction can be severe. If you’ve been charged with a drunk driving offense in Nassau or Suffolk counties, you can find the legal help you need by contacting Mary C. Hartill, PLLC, Attorney at Law.

New York law has changed to disallow plea bargaining to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) in cases where the driver has either refused a blood-alcohol test or the test result is too high. In light of this, it is more important than ever to work with an experienced attorney like Ms. Hartill if you are facing charges related to alleged drunk driving.

There Are Multiple Paths To A DWI Conviction

Driving while intoxicated is defined as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above 0.08%. A test result showing that you are above the legal limit is one way to be charged with (and eventually convicted of) drunk driving, but it is not the only way.

In some cases, an officer’s suspicions are enough to result in a DWI charge. If you refuse to participate in field sobriety tests and refuse to submit to tests of your BAC, you can still be arrested based on the officer’s observations that you appear to be significantly impaired.

If you are under the age of 21, it is even easier to be charged with and convicted of a drunk driving offense. Because you are below the legal drinking age, you can be charged with DWI if you have a BAC at or above 0.02%, which may be the equivalent of 1-2 drinks.

Don’t Just Accept Your Fate – Contest The Charges

How bad is a DWI conviction? A first-time offense can result in up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 and the loss of your license for up to six months. There are additional penalties for refusing to a test.

You can’t afford to simply admit defeat. But you can and should contest the charges. Acquittal isn’t always possible, but a skilled attorney like Ms. Hartill can almost always help you mitigate the consequences you are facing and protect your rights throughout the process. She has more than 15 years of experience in New York criminal law, including experience as a prosecutor. No matter what circumstances you are facing, she is ready to help you challenge the charges and the evidence in court.

Contact The Firm For A Free Case Evaluation

Mary C. Hartill, PLLC, Attorney at Law, has offices in Port Jefferson and Riverhead, New York, and serves clients throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties. To take advantage of a free consultation about your DWI charges, contact the firm online or call 631-987-5833 today.