DWI

Albany DWI Attorneys Ready To Serve You

Unlike nearby New York City, Montreal, and Boston, all of which have smaller, tighter city centers, Albany is spread out over many miles. This means that driving is necessary in order to get around the city and surrounding areas. With a younger population and a thriving downtown, driving any type of distance is not always a good thing. Especially when alcohol is involved.

Unfortunately, many residents and visitors of Albany are killed and injured every year due to drunk-driving related accidents. Thousands more are arrested and charged with DWI.

The attorneys and legal team at E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy in no way, shape, or form condone drunk driving, but we do understand that everyone is entitled to a superior defense to such charges. We pledge to provide our clients with unwavering support and fierce advocacy in defending DWI charges in Albany. Our commitment and experience is second to none.

Learn more about how we can help you by contacting us online or calling (518) 284-3183 today!

Tough On Drunk Drivers

Police Breath Test for a DUI client

New York State has some of the toughest laws and penalties in the country for drunk driving-related offenses. In New York, the fines are higher, license suspension terms are greater, and prison terms are longer. And, penalties get harsher and steeper for multiple DWI offenses and aggravated offenses (those offenses stemming from very high blood alcohol content and/or motor vehicle accidents resulting in injuries, death, and property damage.) With so much at stake, it is in your interest to hire the best Albany DWI defense attorney possible.

Difference Between DUI and DWI / DWAI?

DUI: “Driving Under the Influence” is called DWI in New York State.

In the U.S., individual states have the ability to define DUI penalties. New York State does not have a “DUI” charge. NY covers all charges related to driving while impaired by alcohol, illegal narcotics, prescription drugs or over-the-counter-medication under DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired).

What Exactly is at Stake if Convicted of DWI

Where to begin? In addition to the distress and panic that you likely will experience when charged with DWI, there are many tangible repercussions you may face if convicted of a DWI offense, including – but not limited to – the following:

  • Monetary fines and penalties
  • Administrative suspension of driver’s license
  • Possible prison time
  • Probation
  • Increase in car insurance rates (sometimes as much as a 400 percent hike, for at least a few years)
  • Loss of job
  • Difficulty in obtaining a job, housing, and other opportunities
  • Community service
  • Alcohol awareness courses
  • Alcohol rehabilitation counseling
  • Attendance of a Victim Impact Panel
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device in every motor vehicle you own
  • Loss of certain security clearances
  • Certain travel restrictions
  • Negative effects on immigration status and applications for citizenship
  • Destroyed reputation and standing in the community

And, keep in mind that many of these penalties are mandatory – meaning that prosecutors and the courts must impose them in certain circumstances.

Do I Need an Albany DWI Defense Attorney?

Drunk driving card next to gavelMake no mistake, DWI / DUI charges in upstate New York are very serious. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of “getting a DWI” in Albany, it is important to hire an experienced, local DWI defense attorney as soon as possible.

There are so many fine and nuanced points to an Albany DWI defense that you simply do not want to place your case in the hands of an inexperienced attorney or try to resolve the matter yourself. Our Albany DWI defense lawyers have solid reputations with local law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts. And, while a good reputation cannot make certain charges disappear, it does go a long way when negotiating lesser charges and plea deals.

The highly trained Albany DWI attorneys at E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy have decades of experience in defending clients. Regardless of social status or occupation, we treat all clients with equal respect and dignity; and, we provide the same level of tenacious representation to all. We understand that people make mistakes and find themselves in difficult situations. We are here to relieve you of some of the stress that accompanies a DWI arrest, as we work tirelessly on your behalf to reach some sort of resolution in a timely manner.

With DWI, the defense attorney you hire can impact every aspect of your life; work, family, your ability to drive, and in serious cases, your freedom. DWI / DUI are very serious crimes that can result in a loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or possible jail term.

Most DWI lawyers in the Albany, NY area charge very similar fees, so call an attorney you trust. It is extremely important that you choose the best DWI / DUI lawyer for your case.

Lawyers Who Understand DWI Charges in New York State

It is important to hire an experienced DWI defense attorney. One with a vast knowledge of the finer points of the specific court and county in which you were charged.

To better understand your charges, alcohol and drug-related violations in New York State can include:

  • DWI: BAC .08 or higher, or other evidence of intoxication for drivers of private vehicles.
  • DWI: BAC .04 or higher, or other evidence of intoxication for drivers of commercial vehicles.
  • Aggravated DWI: .18 BAC or higher.
  • DWAI / Alcohol: .05 to .07 BAC or other evidence of impairment while driving a private vehicle.
  • DWAI / Alcohol: .02 BAC for drivers of commercial vehicles or drivers under the age of 21 for any private vehicle.
  • DWAI / Drug: Impaired by a single drug other than alcohol.
  • DWAI / Combination: Driving while impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Felony DWI: Prior DWI / DWAI Drug charges or conviction, Vehicular Assault in the 1st or 2nd degree, or Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st or 2nd degree, within the past 10 years you can be charged with a felony.

Our experienced DWI defense attorneys are here to help. Contact us by calling (518) 284-3183 today!

DWI and DWAI Fines in NY

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, DWI charges can range from mandatory fines from $1,000 – $10,000, accompanied by maximum prison terms of 1–7 years, and revocation of driver license for 6-18 months.

Factors that can impact DWI / DWAI Charges:

  • Drivers under the age of 21 with a .02 BAC to .07 BAC are subject to NY State Zero Tolerance Law.
  • Whether driver was driving a private or commercial vehicle.
  • Previous DWI / DWAI arrest(s) or conviction(s).
  • Driver attitude and behavior.
  • Additional charges (misdemeanor or felony charges)

Let our knowledgeable Albany DWI attorneys at E. Stewart Jones Law Hacker Murphy help you.

Choose The Best Legal Representation for You

Being charged with “Driving While Impaired” (DWI) by drugs or alcohol are serious charges.
Our Albany DWI attorneys are experienced and compassionate. This combination is important when choosing an attorney as your future may depend on the judges’ verdict.

Experienced and Affordable Albany DWI Lawyers

Most clients choose a DWI / DWAI lawyer based on what they think they can afford. What they don’t realize is that E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy’s legal fees for DWI and DWAI defense are often more affordable compared to law firms you may see advertising on television or radio. We always encourage clients to talk with an attorney in advance to make sure they are comfortable with the amount of time, attention and knowledge that the attorney provides them.

Why does this matter?

Successful lawyers are known in the courts and can often accelerate the process through familiarity with case law and experience built upon results in DWI and other criminal defense matters from previous cases over many years.

We invite you to call the E. Stewart Jones Law Hacker Murphy Firm and compare our legal fees with other local DWI law firms. We think you’ll be pleased with how affordable our services are and how knowledgeable and helpful our lawyers will be, right from the start.

Also, depending on the case, our DWI lawyers are able to work with clients to set-up a convenient payment schedule for their legal fees. The bottom line…we are affordable, we listen and are here to help you through every step of this difficult situation. Request a Free DWI Case Analysis today.

E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy is an ethical, compassionate and respected law firm that has been serving the greater Capital Region since 1898. Learn more about our firm.

Charged with DWI or DUI in the Albany area? Contact Us Today

E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy staffE. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy also represents clients with the following criminal charges:

Call us today and we will put you in touch directly with an experienced Albany DWI lawyer to review your case at no charge. We may be your best chance to successfully (and reasonably) negotiate with prosecutors in order to reduce charges, reach a plea agreement you can live with and, if possible, litigate your case in court.

Each case is different, and depending on the circumstances, we may be able to weaken the prosecution’s case against you. And, while there are no guarantees, we have the experience and knowledge to best help you when the deck seems stacked against you.

We will represent you at all administrative hearings and criminal proceedings, request discovery from the arresting officer(s) and prosecution, submit all necessary filings with the court, and deal directly with the prosecution.

We’ll allow you time to ask questions and will provide you with a no-obligation quote on the spot.

Do You Have an Urgent Legal Matter? Contact us now by calling (518) 284-3183. We answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even on holidays. We always connect clients directly to a defense lawyer within moments. We are here to help.

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