New York’s Zero Tolerance DWI Laws
Having a criminal record at any age can make it far more difficult to build a successful career, get an apartment, or obtain credit. However, running afoul of the law before you’ve reached adulthood makes it even harder to build a successful life. New York comes down hard on youthful offenders of its drug and alcohol laws. The state will, at a minimum, sharply curtail offenders’ ability to get from place to place and impose stiff fines that can be hard for a young person to afford. In more extreme cases, drivers under 21 who have been drinking might face criminal charges. Read on to learn more about New York’s Zero Tolerance laws, and contact the knowledgeable Hudson Valley DWI defense lawyers at Dupée & Monroe after you’re accused of violating New York’s drinking laws.
Drivers under 21 in New York face trouble for having almost any alcohol in their systems
In New York, citizens may not purchase alcohol until they reach the age of 21. The state has a “Zero Tolerance” law that makes it illegal for a driver under age 21 to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of between .02% and .07%. If an officer suspects a young driver of having violated this law, then that person will need to attend an administrative hearing and could face a six-month license suspension, as well as hundreds of dollars in penalties. The offense will remain on the driver’s record for either three years or until they turn 21, whichever is longer.
Young drivers could face criminal charges if blood alcohol levels are higher
When blood alcohol levels are higher, the penalties escalate. A driver under 21 who has a BAC of over .05% and under .08% can face criminal charges for driving while ability impaired (DWAI). If the young driver’s BAC is at .08% or more, then they could be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). These charges can come with even more restrictive penalties than those faced by persons over 21 who are charged with these crimes. Contact Dupée & Monroe’s knowledgeable DWI defense lawyers immediately if you’ve been charged with one of these offenses.
Underage purchasing of alcohol can cause the loss of a driver’s license
New York residents who are under 21 are barred from purchasing alcohol. If someone who has not yet reached legal purchasing age buys alcohol using a non-driver ID or driver’s license to prove their age, then that person could have their license suspended or be prevented from applying for a license if they do not yet have one.
If you’ve been pulled over and charged with a violation of New York’s Zero Tolerance laws, contact the seasoned DWI and Zero Tolerance defense lawyers at Dupée & Monroe for a consultation as soon as possible. Don’t begin your adulthood with criminal offenses on your record. Protect your future by fighting these charges with the help of determined, skilled, and effective legal help.
Call the DWI Defense Lawyers at Dupée & Monroe for Defense under New York Zero Tolerance Laws
For legal help fighting charges relating to New York’s DWI or Zero Tolerance laws, contact the Goshen offices of Dupée & Monroe at 845-294-8900.
