tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1728123395449559882024-03-05T21:09:20.183-08:00Catalano & Carpenter LLP - Poughkeepsie DWI Defense AttorneysLaws, updates, information and articles about DWI arrests, prosecutions and penalties in New York State.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-5441607153926263362016-05-17T09:26:00.001-07:002016-05-17T09:26:21.451-07:00Will You Be Required to Complete an Alcohol Evaluation if Arrested for DWI?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'proxima nova', 'avenir next', avenir, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In NY it's mandatory (VTL 1198-a) that anyone arrested for a violation of VTL 1192 (alcohol and drug related driving offenses) complete, at a minimum, an alcohol and substance abuse screening. Whether you will be required to do more than that depends on what category you fall into below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1198-a.2(a) - Mandatory <u><i>Screening</i></u> (an initial intake to determine if counseling/treatment is necessary):<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A screening will be ordered by the court if you are arraigned upon or have pleaded guilty to any of the following offenses as <b><u>first offense</u></b> AND you are alleged to have a blood alcohol content <b><u>(BAC) of less than 0.15</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(i)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">DWAI (1192.1), or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(ii)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">per se DWI (1192.2), or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(iii)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">common law DWI (1192.3), or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(iv)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Leandra's Law violation (1192.2-a(b))<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">B.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">OR if you are arraigned upon or have pleaded guilty to a violation of DWAI-Drugs (1192.4);<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">C.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">OR if you refused the chemical test.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>1198-a.2(b) - Mandatory </b><i><b><u>Assessment</u></b></i><b> (more formal interview that will likely result in continued counseling/treatment):<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will be required to complete an assessment if:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(i)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">the screening required by subsection 1198-a.2(a) above indicates possible alcohol or substance abuse; or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(ii)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">upon your arraignment or guilty plea to a <b><u>second or subsequent offense within 5 years</u></b> of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">DWAI (1192.1), or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">per se DWI (1192.2), or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">common law DWI (1192.3),<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">or DWAI-Drugs (1192.4), or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zero Tolerance violation (1192.4-a);<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">B.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">OR if you have been <b><u>convicted within the previous 5 years </u></b>of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(i)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">any violation of VTL 1192, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(ii)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vehicular Assault in the 1st or 2nd degree, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(iii)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aggravated Vehicular Assault, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(iv)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st or 2nd degree, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(v)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aggravated Vehicular Homicide;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">C.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">OR if you have been <b><u>convicted two or more times within the previous 10 years</u></b> of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(i)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">any violation of VTL 1192, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(ii)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vehicular Assault in the 1st or 2nd degree, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(iii)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aggravated Vehicular Assault, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(iv)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st or 2nd degree, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(v)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aggravated Vehicular Homicide;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">D.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">OR of you are arraigned upon or have pleaded guilty to a DWI related offense and have a <b><u>BAC of .15 or higher</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Article 21 School/Drunk or Impaired Driver Program (DDP)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will also be required to participate in an alcohol or substance abuse assessment in order to successfully complete the DDP, which is typically a condition of any sentence for an alcohol or drug related driving offense. Often times the screening or assessment required by VTL 1198-a will satisfy the DDP requirement and save you significant time in completing the process. However, some local courts are still unaware of or simply do not enforce the requirements of VTL 1198-a; it is therefore incumbent upon your DWI defense attorney to advise you of this requirement and hopefully save you time in resolving you DWI case and restoring your license.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-76909818222778680612015-12-30T09:53:00.001-08:002015-12-30T09:53:49.903-08:00Happy 2016 from Catalano & Carpenter LLP!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y1h4AJuxcFDpXCbhdFR7th3vP_mZM9Bsp4BpII9YqH3CwZYqXy-cHPYPqO5eS6x_Vjq2Ko8wnF1A5VZOLmNdk74l8wKSuLbM3-nfrgRSNzwOnavTnmC_jLIQzgzKAlUVh_YjN7mm_wU/s1600/NYE_2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y1h4AJuxcFDpXCbhdFR7th3vP_mZM9Bsp4BpII9YqH3CwZYqXy-cHPYPqO5eS6x_Vjq2Ko8wnF1A5VZOLmNdk74l8wKSuLbM3-nfrgRSNzwOnavTnmC_jLIQzgzKAlUVh_YjN7mm_wU/s320/NYE_2016.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A new year! A
time for new exercise routines, getting organized, re-evaluation, and new
beginnings! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Don’t start
your new year and the first day of the rest of your life off with a DWI arrest,
or worse!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Just like every
other year, law enforcement officers will be out on increased DWI patrols this
holiday. They will be looking for even the smallest reason to pull someone over
on the off-chance that person is intoxicated. You know it. Everyone knows it. You’ve
seen them out there before. Maybe they’ve even pulled you over in years past
for whatever reason. So why be that person this year? You’re smarter than that.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Think you’re
good enough to avoid being pulled over? There will also undoubtedly be sobriety
checkpoints around. Funny thing about checkpoints, cops like to set them up in
a location that limits your ability to avoid it. And flipping a u-turn before
you get to it WILL draw the cop’s attention to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Personally, I’m
not a huge New Year’s Eve fan. I prefer to stay in, have a nice dinner, watch
some football, and maybe have a drink or two without the stress of having to
drive or be on the road with those people who have no respect for anyone else
and are driving while intoxicated. But I get it, it’s a fun holiday! A reason
to celebrate! So if you are going out, be sure you have a designated driver
(and be sure that DD doesn’t sneak a few drinks), or have money for a cab, or
walk, or sleep where you pass out. Just don’t drive after you’ve been drinking.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The consequence
of a DWI arrest – before you’ve even been convicted of anything – are severe. They
include, at a minimum, suspension of your license or privilege to drive and the
significant expenses of 1) obtaining a conditional license, 2) obtaining a
substance abuse evaluation and 3) hiring a DWI defense attorney. You’re already
looking at several thousand dollars right there, just from being arrested. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And if you’re
convicted, forget about it. That’s at least another several thousand dollars in
fines, surcharges, fees for classes, another conditional license, the ignition interlock
device, DMV administrative fees and the damage to your insurance. Those commercials
that get your attention by warning you that even your first DWI can cost you
around $10,000 are pretty accurate!! Save yourself the trouble and the money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Make 2016 your
best year yet! Don’t start it in jail, in debt and embarrassed. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-43339550728901663562015-11-03T09:12:00.000-08:002015-11-03T09:15:23.650-08:00Too Drunk to be Convicted of Drunk Driving??? <div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2aCVSgVGsIHO-cCAynKwJalme_9qk1ew3T42OV3A5SVm4LIIGIs-RnyeA-sdvQLXHTxXrUqYDsZqb_BOLbtJ3WwYdI_ypve9jiFRUQviXkPX5_Py39_u-Uw_5jQIc5vyfzJgy-H9wZY/s1600/Drinking_and_Driving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2aCVSgVGsIHO-cCAynKwJalme_9qk1ew3T42OV3A5SVm4LIIGIs-RnyeA-sdvQLXHTxXrUqYDsZqb_BOLbtJ3WwYdI_ypve9jiFRUQviXkPX5_Py39_u-Uw_5jQIc5vyfzJgy-H9wZY/s320/Drinking_and_Driving.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Article: <a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/article41982711.html" target="_blank">http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/article41982711.html </a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Apparently the current DUI/DWI law in Georgia is very
pro-defendant and permits for the suppression of BAC chemical test results if
the defendant was too drunk to provide informed consent for the test!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> So, in other words, if you’re going to drive drunk in GA,
you better make damn sure you’re a fall-down, can’t-think-straight kind of drunk
so you’ll have a better chance of beating your DWI! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Seems…counterproductive? Illogical? Or maybe just downright
dangerous?! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Rest assured, that is most definitely NOT the case in New
York. That issue was resolved here as far back as 1978. Consent or refusal to
provide a sample for a chemical test in New York does not need to be “knowing,”
according to the Second Department: “[such an] interpretation would lead to the
absurd result that the greater the degree of intoxication of an automobile
driver, the less the degree of his accountability.” <u>Matter of Carey v.
Melton</u>, 64 A.D.2d 983, ___, 408 N.Y.S.2d 817, 818 (2d Dep’t 1978). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> While many people would agree that if you’re that drunk
there’s no way you know what you’re doing (and some of us may even have the
stories the back that theory up!), but to old otherwise would truly run the
risk of unconscionable results in very serious cases. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> NOTE: Refusal to consent to chemical test can be determined
from both words and conduct in New York. And if the police decide you have
refused, there will be a presumption of intoxication and the prosecutor will,
in most cases, be able to introduce evidence of your refusal as your
consciousness of guilt at any subsequent trial. There are also significant civil
penalties if you have been declared a refusal by the DMV. Also, in order to be prosecuted
for DWI in NY, your intoxication must be voluntary. If you have any reason to
believe that your intoxication was involuntary, discuss that with you attorney
immediately. However, alcoholism does not constitute involuntary intoxication
under NY law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> For more information DWI refusals, click <b><a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/you-refused-chemical-test-in-new-york.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> If you have been arrested for DWI or any other alcohol or
drug related driving offense in New York, call the experienced DWI defense
attorneys of </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> at </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(845) 454-1919</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> today to schedule a
</span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">free DWI consultation</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can help. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-57353095912819254632015-11-02T09:41:00.003-08:002015-11-02T09:41:43.162-08:00Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) Is Not a Criminal Offense…Until It Is! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03I4zPUay_N1S2TQtNzOxMhQ-h83nQINF3-K-1wBNMO1qrn2fFPH7zZEP1vJXUwXx3VhPEarFs5T4Ygx0aX_fDqtXJo-spZe6dHWjfxUGRRICMEBE9_FjD83PVvkRxbUx8F2hgPfRN1g/s1600/Surprise.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03I4zPUay_N1S2TQtNzOxMhQ-h83nQINF3-K-1wBNMO1qrn2fFPH7zZEP1vJXUwXx3VhPEarFs5T4Ygx0aX_fDqtXJo-spZe6dHWjfxUGRRICMEBE9_FjD83PVvkRxbUx8F2hgPfRN1g/s320/Surprise.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Alcohol
and/or drug related driving offenses in New York State run the spectrum from
violation level offenses (non-criminal) all the way up to class D felonies
punishable by up to seven (7) years in state prison.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
DWI cases that should never see the the light of trial,
DWI defense attorneys will typically do everything within their ability to
convince the prosecutor and the court to accept a plea to a reduced offense,
and, in most cases, Driving While Ability Impaired (“DWAI” or just “AI”) in
violation of VTL Sec. 1192.1 is the goal. <span style="background: white;">That’s
because a DWAI is, in most cases, a traffic infraction (a violation) that does
not result in a criminal conviction (although there are still fines, surcharges,
program requirements, license sanctions, and a possibility of up to 15 days in
jail). Click <a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/driving-while-ability-impaired-dwai-in.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> for more information on DWAI. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, there are instances when an AI may be prosecuted as
a misdemeanor, resulting in a criminal record if convicted, as well as a
potential period of incarceration and/or probation in addition to the fines,
surcharges, program requirements and license sanctions.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you are convicted of an AI offense after having been
convicted within the preceding five (5) years of one (1) prior alcohol or drug
related driving offense as defined in VTL Sec. 1192 (e.g., DWAI, DWI, Agg
DWI, DWAI-Drugs), it will still be a conviction of a traffic infraction but with
more substantial fines and penalties than the first time around.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">BUT! If you are convicted of an AI offense within the
preceding ten (10) years of having been convicted of two (2) prior alcohol
or drug related driving offenses as defined in VTL 1192, that new AI can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor! So long story
short, two AI strikes and you’re out! And unless you've read this article or the NYS VTL - and who does that other than attorneys - you really wouldn't have a reason to know this! </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But not knowing
about this enhanced prosecution possibility, or worse, hiring an attorney who
doesn’t know about it because he or she is not an experienced DWI defense attorney, can catch you by surprise if you have prior convictions. And no one wants to be surprised when it comes to their license, livelihood and life! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Also keep in mind that Driving
While Ability Impaired by Drugs ("AI-Drugs"), defined in VTL Sec. 1192.4, is NOT the same
as DWAI (VTL Sec. 1192.1). If you are arrested for and charged with a violation
of AI-Drugs, you are fighting a misdemeanor from the get-go. And the
consequences of an AI-Drugs conviction are significantly different from a
misdemeanor DWI conviction, and a LOT different from an AI conviction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">DWI is a serious charge with serious consequences. If you
have been arrested and charged with DWI or any other alcohol or drug related
driving offense in New York State, call the experienced DWI defense attorneys
at <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b> at <b>(845) 454-1919</b> today! The sooner we get
involved, the sooner we can help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-62405423735822735692015-06-12T07:03:00.000-07:002015-06-12T07:03:53.140-07:00You Can Huff and You Can Puff, but Sooner or Later the Legislature Will Blow Your House Down! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-NHcIlNSy8W7Frk28hqp2Ucq-bxecptmU8tOSD3ugCDgXqManKlgy9Bci0huFeB9F-hdz-qpv0JFmFL8JmFE7FzY6EfCKaIdSTXd81-1VASmUDNOpdJJrncIUVOyg0ZmdSE01Fbcmrg/s1600/Wolf_002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-NHcIlNSy8W7Frk28hqp2Ucq-bxecptmU8tOSD3ugCDgXqManKlgy9Bci0huFeB9F-hdz-qpv0JFmFL8JmFE7FzY6EfCKaIdSTXd81-1VASmUDNOpdJJrncIUVOyg0ZmdSE01Fbcmrg/s1600/Wolf_002.png" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> Although this case/decision is out of Montana, it's still relevant to DWI law here in NY. Long story short, the issue before the court in Montana was whether an ingredient in an aerosol product that allegedly causes impairment (from huffing) but does not clearly fit within the definition of a “drug” under Montana law can still serve as a “drug” for purposes of a DUI prosecution. The court held that it can.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
New York State has been dealing with a similar quandary for some time now. Virtually every section of NY VTL Sec. 1192 that references impairment by drugs limits a prosecutable drug to those specifically enumerated in Sec 3306 of the NY Public Health Law (“PHL”), referred to as controlled substances. For example, VTL Sec. 1192.4, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, states that “No person shall operate a motor vehicle while the person’s ability to operate such a motor vehicle is impaired by the use of a drug as defined in this chapter.” VTL Sec. 114-a contains the definition of a “drugs”: “The term ‘drug’ when used in this chapter, means and includes any substance listed in section thirty-three hundred six of the public health law.” So if it turns out that a driver is in fact impaired by a substance but that substances is not specifically listed in PHL 3306, they cannot be prosecuted for a drugged driving offense…that is unless the driver is charged with violating VTL Sec. 1192.4-a, generally referred to as a Combined Influence DWI. Then all bets are off!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
VTL Sec. 1192.4-a does not specifically limit the term “drug” to those listed in PHL 3306. The language of the statute instead merely prohibits driving drunk while also impaired by “any drug or drugs.” Does this mean that if you’re intoxicated AND impaired by a drug, it can be ANY drug? This has been the debate here in NY for a while now, and there are some who say yes! And there are also some who say no!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The Sullivan County Court (Hon. Frank LaBuda) held in 2007 that the statute (VTL Sec. 1192.4-a) is limited only to those controlled substances listed in PHL 3306 (since every other use of the term “drug” throughout the chapter directly incorporates PHL 3306). However, not very long thereafter, in 2008, Hon. Matthew Sciarrino, Jr. of the NYC Criminal Court, Richmond County, held just the opposite when he decided that an 1192.4-a prosecution could continue despite the fact that the drugs the defendant admitted to consuming were not controlled substances pursuant to PHL 3306. The basis for his decision? VTL Sec. 1192.4-a did not specifically incorporate PHL 3306 into its language.</div>
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So there ya go, two sides to the same coin.</div>
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But have no fear. The NYS legislature has put the wheels in motion to broaden the scope of offense punishable as DWIs! There is a bill pending now that would expand both VTL 1192.4 (DWAI-Drugs) and 1192.4-a (Combined Influence) to permit prosecution for DWI offenses involving literally any drug that has the potential to impair a driver’s physical and/or mental abilities. While not necessarily good news for New York Drivers who are on prescriptions medications (which today seems to be plenty of people…and plenty of medications!), I believe the immediate result of this new legislation (if it passes) will be increased litigation concerning every aspect of non-schedule controlled substances and their effects, and how the prosecution can even prove impairment from an inhalant, a substance that in most instances dissipates almost immediately. Should be fun for us defense attorneys though!</div>
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Here's the article: <a href="http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2015/06/10/supreme-court-huffing-can-lead-dui-charge/71012998/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.0799999237061px;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>www.greatfallstribune.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>story/news/local/2015/06/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>10/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>supreme-court-huffing-can-l<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ead-dui-charge/71012998/</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-42933842590948749162015-06-05T08:07:00.000-07:002015-06-05T08:07:25.832-07:00Close Call Indeed! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47zz0qE2R_z3X5GQTByD-4mqPQsoKBhBrxqc3WjeHfhKjKnngIHadITTJWZDo53ld6M-0cfKR9t7rmZXUPJcSNt_8TacGjVj9eNnMuadTAKOjBi9PmFx4rE9zBmoXjf_K34MhRGklKJM/s1600/close_call.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47zz0qE2R_z3X5GQTByD-4mqPQsoKBhBrxqc3WjeHfhKjKnngIHadITTJWZDo53ld6M-0cfKR9t7rmZXUPJcSNt_8TacGjVj9eNnMuadTAKOjBi9PmFx4rE9zBmoXjf_K34MhRGklKJM/s320/close_call.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The guy in the article below, Mr. Green, very narrowly avoided a DWI prosecution thanks to a very honest witness. And avoiding a DWI in NJ is like a near-death experience, so this guy should count his blessings, and be incredibly grateful no one (other than him) was hurt!</span></div>
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(As someone who I greatly admire once said with regard to NJ and its DWI laws: "You ask what happened to the former Soviet Union? It became the state of New Jersey!")</div>
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Had the witness positively identified Mr. Green as the driver who struck the pole, he would have had a much more unpleasant evening, most likely having been arrested and processed for DWI in addition to the other summonses he was ultimately issued.</div>
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So why wasn't he arrested for DWI when he admitted to the police six days later that he actually was driving the truck? Since the witness was unable to ID Mr. Green at the time, and Mr. Green was already in his home (creating an issue of access to alcohol and a timeline problem), the police lacked probable cause to arrest Mr. Green for DWI and were consequently prohibited from administering any field sobriety tests or determining his BAC. Since the requirement for a DWI prosecution is that you be intoxicated WHILE operating a vehicle, the circumstances prevented the officers from attempting to determine Mr. Green's BAC or degree of impairment at any time remotely related to when he operated his vehicle.</div>
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Hopefully Mr. Green will fully appreciate the "break" he was given here and think twice before driving while intoxicated (or even while his ability is impaired) in the future.</div>
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Here's the article:</div>
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<a href="http://www.nj.com/cumberland/index.ssf/2015/06/stumbling_bleeding_man_unable_to_recall_drunk_driv.html">http://www.nj.com/cumberland/index.ssf/2015/06/stumbling_bleeding_man_unable_to_recall_drunk_driv.html</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-68417395969798252942015-06-04T15:39:00.003-07:002015-06-04T15:39:46.705-07:00I’m (Drunk) On a Boat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9OfeSl-qjgh3fPMXhNiGqjVNCvPsbyiF09qpm3Aq02svahksu_vHKFUvSTS4_JyEkyTIMqGm4khyLAInKRfCOBoeGKXiAsYysIgl3lvz6w3QHZISTUd_ga7dbq1v9O0VLEsonL_Q3aw/s1600/BWI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9OfeSl-qjgh3fPMXhNiGqjVNCvPsbyiF09qpm3Aq02svahksu_vHKFUvSTS4_JyEkyTIMqGm4khyLAInKRfCOBoeGKXiAsYysIgl3lvz6w3QHZISTUd_ga7dbq1v9O0VLEsonL_Q3aw/s1600/BWI.png" /></a></div>
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Warm weather is finally here in NY! Well, on most days, anyway. And thankfully warm weather means beaches and boats! And in a lot of instances, boats come stocked with beer! But be careful if you plan to have a drink or two out on your motor boat this summer, you motorboatin’ sonofagun, particularly if you’re the one driving. Although you may not be in a car or on a public highway when you’re tooling around checking out the girls in bikinis, you can st<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ill be arrested for operating a motorized vessel in an intoxicated or impaired condition, a BWAI (Boating While Ability Impaired) or BWI (Boating While Intoxicated). A BWAI is a violation level offense, but a BWI is a misdemeanor just like a DWI, which can result in a criminal record and suspension of your privilege to operate a motorized boat. Multiple BWI convictions can also result in a felony charge.</span></div>
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Many courts (and prosecutors) are not very familiar with BWI offenses. It is therefore critical that your BWI defense attorney is knowledgeable in all aspects of Boating While Intoxicated offenses. If you have been charged with a BWAI or BWI, call us today at (845) 454-1919 to schedule a free consultation.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-56226753138997982302015-06-04T15:38:00.002-07:002015-06-04T15:38:36.291-07:00DWI on an ATV? WTF?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6I0GF2Y4KDmE71cZJV31zQjYdbCcHIeXmj85jpCIt4a8FXTFykc5Ixpu0pT946xaa8geEhyphenhyphenrvOzfo_qgjAZcDwaMWxvSnwOMw8ytPKSwvaAOiRUYfxhn1xPvfAnswXDQnX8ovSNdwrk/s1600/ATV.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6I0GF2Y4KDmE71cZJV31zQjYdbCcHIeXmj85jpCIt4a8FXTFykc5Ixpu0pT946xaa8geEhyphenhyphenrvOzfo_qgjAZcDwaMWxvSnwOMw8ytPKSwvaAOiRUYfxhn1xPvfAnswXDQnX8ovSNdwrk/s1600/ATV.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">From what I can tell from the article below, these guys were riding trails and river banks before one of the poor bastards swamped his ATV only to then watch it float down river (and I'll assume the second guy stopped laughing his ass off once the officer's focused their attention on him). So maybe they had been drinking, but if that's the sole basis for the DWI arrest, these officers missed the mar</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">k. While you can be arrested for DWI on an ATV, you have to be operating it (or have operated it) on a public roadway in order to be subject to VTL1192. There is no set of DWI laws unique to ATV's like there is for boats (i.e., NYS Navigation Law Sec. 49-a).</span></div>
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Unless there's more to the story, I have a feeling these guys will be looking at non-alcohol related dispositions at the end of the day, which should help buy that replacement ATV!</div>
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Here's the article: <a href="http://poststar.com/news/blotter/two-men-charged-with-dwi-on-atvs/article_026b13dd-9a74-570e-b98c-e5f03e514d59.html">http://poststar.com/news/blotter/two-men-charged-with-dwi-on-atvs/article_026b13dd-9a74-570e-b98c-e5f03e514d59.html</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-78561138514467101722015-06-04T15:35:00.002-07:002015-06-04T15:35:54.671-07:00Mowing While Intoxicated??? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c59MDiXnCCT9ZJEqUbo6yiql6GRkz2Yqkks77q32GtEW0CejyWernZzB1Ad_G4DUYdHfqaOc08U3W0NFKhW8yWXPdvkKS8xljdW0WpxNES-kij6zLN07W2YFR8XYHql6g2bU9py9NQ8/s1600/tractor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c59MDiXnCCT9ZJEqUbo6yiql6GRkz2Yqkks77q32GtEW0CejyWernZzB1Ad_G4DUYdHfqaOc08U3W0NFKhW8yWXPdvkKS8xljdW0WpxNES-kij6zLN07W2YFR8XYHql6g2bU9py9NQ8/s320/tractor.png" width="243" /></a></div>
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Like to have a beer (or four) while mowing your lawn? Nothing wrong with that...just keep it in the yard, Jack! The guy in the article below didn't head those instructions. Now he's facing criminal charges!</div>
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As humorous as it sounds, picking up a DWI on a tractor is not as uncommon as you might think. I've even seen a few golf cart DWI's from time to time! If what you're driving is defined as a "motor vehicle" pursuant to NYS VTL Sec. 125 (and a tractor is!), and you're operating it on a on a "public highway" as defined in VTL Sec. 134 (which is really any road), then you are subject to most VTL laws, including DWI! </div>
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So maybe think twice before driving your Cub Cadet across the street to mow your neighbor's lawn if you needed a few tall boys to get through your own yard! </div>
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Here's the article: <a href="http://www.wkbw.com/news/police-blotter/man-gets-dwi-while-driving-his-cub-cadet-mower">http://www.wkbw.com/news/police-blotter/man-gets-dwi-while-driving-his-cub-cadet-mower</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-51139780085014622152015-06-04T15:28:00.001-07:002015-06-04T15:28:31.169-07:00DUI from a whip-it?!?!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULOJnZTwLT5Sf8a1ahbTe_E3cl-zlFK08TOksfqTsNGCYE3rnWFVCf7s0SsHWTCjFiMloQXy3cGHgavS3S1uweFU16mVz1IfMhXdk4WhdDZM8iX0sAjrglw54asqt_RjYlBz4NcZyxic/s1600/Nitrous_cartridges.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULOJnZTwLT5Sf8a1ahbTe_E3cl-zlFK08TOksfqTsNGCYE3rnWFVCf7s0SsHWTCjFiMloQXy3cGHgavS3S1uweFU16mVz1IfMhXdk4WhdDZM8iX0sAjrglw54asqt_RjYlBz4NcZyxic/s320/Nitrous_cartridges.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">So according to the article in the link below, a young lady was arrested in Tennessee after crashing into a few mailboxes (and allegedly leaving the scene of an earlier accident). She was subsequently charged with DWI (or DUI in TN) after the arresting officers discovered quite a few cans of whipped cream and receipts in her car. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">This should be a fun one to defend! The high from a nitrous cartridge lasts all of what, 15 to 20 seconds (or, uh, so I've heard...)? Any impairment (if she were actually taking hits while driving) would have all but disappeared by the time the police arrived, rendering any field sobriety test entirely useless and unreliable. Obviously, there's no BAC, and you can forget about a blood test. Granted, this is Tennessee, but here in New York, </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">based on what I gathered from the article,</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> she'd be looking at maybe a reckless driving, at worst!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Here's the article: </span><a href="http://wkrn.com/2015/05/27/police-woman-high-on-retail-aerosol-products-hits-mailbox/" style="font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">http://wkrn.com/2015/05/27/police-woman-high-on-retail-aerosol-products-hits-mailbox/</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-8250970121189101412015-05-13T07:37:00.000-07:002015-05-13T07:37:33.119-07:00Aggravated DWI is not a felony…Unless it is….<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFI9259wZUjAhjaLhM5TpJzhC_T3tNaxPEa1Ui93f146oVCJYq7AtGV2PY6wWkCnr4Ib_dFhdCl19u5L4phGp4SbWbVSvLZfWWRr-tIWU6FjMJPfOA4lyZGxPrFkWPfklNGkY8g73PpM/s1600/Agg_DWI_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFI9259wZUjAhjaLhM5TpJzhC_T3tNaxPEa1Ui93f146oVCJYq7AtGV2PY6wWkCnr4Ib_dFhdCl19u5L4phGp4SbWbVSvLZfWWRr-tIWU6FjMJPfOA4lyZGxPrFkWPfklNGkY8g73PpM/s1600/Agg_DWI_2.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> And if that’s not lawyer-speak then I don’t know what is! But it’s true nonetheless. Aggravated DWI in New York is codified in VTL Sec. 1192.2-a, and within that section are two subsections, (a) and (b).</span></div>
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VTL 1192-2-a(a) or per se Aggravated DWI, establishes a separate offense for driving with a BAC of .18 or higher. A violation of 1192.2-a(a), in and of itself, is still a misdemeanor level offense, although the sanctions and penalties for a conviction are more severe than for a “straight’ DWI; but it is NOT a felony. (However, if you have at least one prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years you could be charged with a felony, regardless of whether this BAC rises to an aggravated level or not.)</div>
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On the other hand, a violation of VTL 1192.2-a(b) IS a felony straight out of the gate. 1192.2-a(b) makes it an automatic felony to commit the offense of DWI, DWAI or combined influence DWI while a child younger than 16 years of age is in the vehicle. This is more commonly known as “Leandra’s Law” in honor of Leandra Rosado, an 11 year old girl who was tragically killed in drunk driving accident in New York City in 2009.</div>
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A conviction of either one of these offenses can pretty much ruin your day, year, and possibly life. So if you find yourself on the short end of an Aggravated DWI arrest, you need DWI defense attorneys experienced in defending these very serious DWI charges; you need Catalano & Carpenter LLP. Call us today to at (845) 454-1919 schedule a free DWI consultation.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">High BAC? Call C&C?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Catalano & Carpenter
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-77564361022891193512015-05-08T09:06:00.000-07:002015-05-08T09:06:01.540-07:00My BAC and Me <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjks__FQIyCqz4Opi25UljE3xlefMHrUVxUc2NEV2k4ZmTTwb4RxeisjuL-RVPN06CKyca_HqL04PZTymrmUMfzQBpf1zjcv1vkquYMEYTqW48ipCSo_QBOghm6TpO0hxUctbl944ma2Yc/s1600/Passed_out.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjks__FQIyCqz4Opi25UljE3xlefMHrUVxUc2NEV2k4ZmTTwb4RxeisjuL-RVPN06CKyca_HqL04PZTymrmUMfzQBpf1zjcv1vkquYMEYTqW48ipCSo_QBOghm6TpO0hxUctbl944ma2Yc/s320/Passed_out.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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High BAC? Call C&C!</div>
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But what does BAC mean?</div>
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BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Content and, just like it sounds, is a measure of the alcohol content in your blood. POW…Mind blow.</div>
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The minimum BAC in all 50 states that will get you bagged for DWI is 0.08 of 1%. NOTE: that’s NOT .08%; it’s actually 0.0008, which would mean that you have successfully replaced 0.0008 of your blood (or the water that should be in it) with straight alcohol. That alcohol (or at least the alcohol that hasn’t yet been broken down by your liver) then gets pumped throughout your entire body, including to the brain, resulting in a unique medical phenomenon doctors refer to as “Drunky McWastypants.”</div>
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Occasionally I’ll get a call from a potential client who tells me they blew a “2.1” or something like that. As much as I would love to hear the details of how someone managed to replace 0.0021 of their blood with alcohol and somehow continue breathing (forget about driving!), I’ll quickly move on to other issues and assume, always correctly, that they really blew a 0.21. Why? Because they’d be far too busy attending their own funeral instead of calling me if they really blew a 2.1. While theoretically it may be possible to blow a 1.0 or higher, practically speaking it’s damn near impossible to get your BAC that high without first passing out and/or, ya know, dying. On average, even the most hardcore drinkers will black out around 0.4 to 0.5. Granted, alcohol effects everyone differently and depends on a lot of daily and personal variables, but if you’ve managed to get yourself to a 0.5, you should also manage to get yourself to a hospital (Call an ambulance! Better yet, have a coherent friend call the ambulance… Don’t drive yourself to the hospital!)</div>
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I’ve seen a lot of high BAC’s, the highest I think was somewhere around .38. I know another attorney who’s seen a 0.4-something. Even the prosecutors I speak with who only prosecute DWI’s can’t remember ever seeing anything above a 0.4-something. So keep that in mind the next time you think to yourself, “Psh, a .08 is nothing!” It is, in fact, a whole lot of something.</div>
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BUT! Just because your BAC reads high at the police station (or from a blood test) doesn’t mean it IS that high! That’s where we come in. If you’ve been charged with Aggravated DWI (in violation of NYS VTL Sec. 1192.2-a, having a BAC of .18 or higher), you need DWI defense attorneys who know how to defend you against those high – and potentially damning – numbers. You need Catalano & Carpenter LLP. Call (845) 454-1919 now to schedule a free DWI consultation.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-58148661479667655062015-05-08T09:02:00.001-07:002015-05-08T09:02:40.350-07:00High BAC? Call C&C!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vbgW1b2ZG87AgSWgG36f4MrRgI8NWKPvvuYIJaMTgTtriTA2HaqZToM7qVcdCW3kIJffMMVdClWFlB23W0TaMZk66wlsQ5dIp5GSy_JHihVf4WczJtf8vIvw9hyphenhyphenpd-cCs-B3rlhPRHg/s1600/Shock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vbgW1b2ZG87AgSWgG36f4MrRgI8NWKPvvuYIJaMTgTtriTA2HaqZToM7qVcdCW3kIJffMMVdClWFlB23W0TaMZk66wlsQ5dIp5GSy_JHihVf4WczJtf8vIvw9hyphenhyphenpd-cCs-B3rlhPRHg/s320/Shock.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Criminal defense attorneys love to brag about that one client they represented who had that crazy high BAC, we’re talking like a .28! “Wow,” says whoever is listening, “what happened with the case?” “I pled him out to the Aggravated DWI; what else can you do with a BAC like that?!” Whereupon my tongue immediately starts to bleed from the involuntary pressure of my teeth...</span></div>
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But my inner DWI defense attorney (who is just a little chippier than the outside D<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">WI defense attorney) is absolutely SCREAMING!! What else can you do?!?! Uumm, how about A LOT!!!!</span></div>
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High BAC readings, from either a Draeger, Datamaster, Intoxilyzer or even blood tests can be intimidating to someone not experienced enough to understand that they are looking at a potentially huge opportunity. But a skilled DWI defense attorney, like the ones here at Catalano & Carpenter LLP, sees that opportunity and immediately goes to work in attempting to debunk the BAC because, yes, in some instances that can actually be done! But your attorney has to know how. Unfortunately, not all criminal/DWI defense attorneys do. I'm guessing you probably want yours to, tho.</div>
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All DWI convictions can cause significant problems for anyone who has to live with it, including innocent family members who have to pick up the slack. But Aggravated and Felony DWI convictions can be downright devastating resulting in higher fines, longer periods of license revocation, and a better chance of incarceration. If you have been charged with Aggravated DWI (BAC of .18 or higher) or Felony DWI, you need a DWI defense attorney who knows how to defend against those most serious of DWI offenses; you need Catalano & Carpenter LLP. Call (845) 454-1919 today to schedule a free consultation.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-62134954356904887652015-05-05T09:43:00.000-07:002015-05-05T09:43:14.964-07:00Happy Cinco de Mayo! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GYtnmUIv00hmT30Ut4KlLNarPDuTTA6iJkMr9OxBV0d7Q_SE8BWV0rMZ_H3leezoi2LUIpr7mZA4HyCQCGOjFFlbpIu5lU4Qgp1aqqW5C-RbpGZ-mg2UzWgtaVUNdKLp1hW452m-YPI/s1600/Cinco_de_Mayo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GYtnmUIv00hmT30Ut4KlLNarPDuTTA6iJkMr9OxBV0d7Q_SE8BWV0rMZ_H3leezoi2LUIpr7mZA4HyCQCGOjFFlbpIu5lU4Qgp1aqqW5C-RbpGZ-mg2UzWgtaVUNdKLp1hW452m-YPI/s1600/Cinco_de_Mayo.png" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A sincere Happy Cinco de Mayo to all our Mexican friends (and to everyone else who just uses the holiday as an excuse to drink)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since it IS a holiday that lends itself to excessive
drinking, you can bet your maracas that there will be enhanced police patrols
out there today into tonight looking for buzzed, drugged and drunk drivers. Might
even come across a DWI checkpoint or two! And they’ll be stopping cars for
minor infractions they wouldn’t normally even think twice about. So when that
thought creeps into your head after that third, fourth or tenth cerveza telling
you you’re good to drive, shut it down…just like the Mexican army did to the
French in 1862!! Little Cinco de Mayo trivia for ya’ there… You’re welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are going to have a few today, be smart enough to
think ahead and designate a DD. And if those unplanned tequila shots sneak up
on you, call a cab or walk. You don’t like to call cabs because they’re too expensive?
How about a DWI grand total somewhere in the vicinity of $5,000 to $10,000? Even if you end up hailing the world's most expensive cab that charges half that, you're still ahead of the game! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But if you do find yourself on the heavy, steely, handcuffed
end of a DWI stop, the only smart thing you could have done to that point would
have been to save our number in your phone first. Put it in there now, Catalano
& Carpenter LLP at </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(845) 454-1919</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> or our after-hours number at </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(914)
512-7641</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. Have fun! Be safe! You’re not the only person in danger when you
drive drunk! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Catalano & Carpenter LLP</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4 Liberty Street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Poughkeepsie, NY 12601</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(845) 454-1919</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd@CatalanoCarpenter.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"Knowledge, Experience & Commitment When You Need it Most"</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-2023965698037772672015-03-10T16:16:00.000-07:002015-03-10T16:16:54.506-07:00Why Do You Need a NY DWI Defense Attorney?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZEi3YzbWrjlP-w5lb1lmyAZnhOuPL4rpEtwpUAg5YLUESbvRiKI7SFRZlaWWoA6ff7rsKh9KTTyk6Q0ufWNVN6g66_PVg9o4L_nKWZ-BGAJgO9N1-OXVnzYV0mU_wzgzLFdn_qQGM7U/s1600/Engine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZEi3YzbWrjlP-w5lb1lmyAZnhOuPL4rpEtwpUAg5YLUESbvRiKI7SFRZlaWWoA6ff7rsKh9KTTyk6Q0ufWNVN6g66_PVg9o4L_nKWZ-BGAJgO9N1-OXVnzYV0mU_wzgzLFdn_qQGM7U/s1600/Engine.png" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Actually,
let’s put a finer point on it: why do you need <i>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</i> as your DWI defense attorneys? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Do
you perform your own dental work? How about your own surgeries? Hell, I won’t
even attempt to work on my own car, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone there! But
you still think you can defend your own DWI? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There’s
a reason each of those areas have people devoted solely to practicing them,
people called professionals. Because it just makes sense to leave those tasks
to the people who know what they’re doing, who have trained for years with the
very instruments needed to solve your problem; people who know what they’re
looking at and what they’re talking about. And for better or worse, that includes
attorneys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A
“professional” is a person engaged or qualified in a profession; basically someone who can honestly say "[this] is my thing." The law is an attorney's "thing." More specifically, DWI is a DWI defense attorney's thing, and in some ways a lot like that car engine of yours that knocks on the highway: there's something not quite right with it, you know it, no doubt in your mind. But if you take that engine apart yourself to fix that knock, you're just going to end up needing a new car... with no trade-in to help! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">When
it comes to your DWI, I’ll bet most of you feel the same way: "</span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">There’s something squirrelly about that
stop/arrest/cop/machine/(insert issue of your choice here) because I know I
wasn’t drunk!"</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And
you may be right! But how are you going to prove it? Go into court and ask the
cop a bazillion irrelevant and potentially damaging questions until you
hopefully stumble upon the real problem? Argue ineffectively with the judge
until he or she hopefully agrees with you just to shut you up? Or stare at the
pages of discovery that mean absolutely nothing to you until you go cross-eyed
and decide to fake it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Trust
me, I’ve seen each of those approaches in action (by pro se defendants AND ill-prepared
attorneys) and I wouldn’t recommend any one of them. You go down that road and
you’ll be no better off than the person with a car engine in a 100 different pieces
on the floor in front of them…sure you may have found the problem, but the engine
- and ultimately the car - is in all likelihood lost forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">DWI
defense is not - and absolutely cannot - be approached in the same manner as a
first-day auto shop student gutting a 1970 Gremlin. It requires recognition of
very specific – and often very technical – legal and scientific issues. And
once those issues are spotted, it’s even more important to know what to do with
them! (“<i>Uh…I know this weird little octopus-looking
thing came from something important on that engine…”</i>). This can only be done accurately and
effectively by an experienced and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney (notice
that I said <i>DWI </i>defense attorney, not
<i>criminal </i>defense attorney…see my
<a href="https://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/b/layout-preview?token=JbhtB0wBAAA.cXF7oihDM_ma2dfT0LLYyg.C5Af29-8M9DjTg5rVi9_sA" target="_blank">previous article</a> for more on that).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
DWI defense attorneys of Catalano & Carpenter LLP have that experience and
knowledge. And even the smallest issue in the hands of an attorney who actually
knows what to do with it has the potential to dramatically improve the outcome
of your case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
you want to get rid of that troublesome and potentially disastrous knock in
your engine, you need a professional to fix it as soon as possible so you can keep moving forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You
need <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b>. Call us today at <b>(845) 454-1919</b> or visit us <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/" target="_blank">online</a> to schedule a <b>free DWI consultation</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-54371917116442527572015-01-25T12:54:00.001-08:002015-01-25T12:54:40.114-08:00How Much Does a NY DWI Attorney Cost?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73xZV1kMoK4cAQw4Faf5FJP0NchgV8xzFD9zG0CQIZBOjYecAhwGs4mSl3qC8AOXqS7ZKe9nbYkDT2zOd3GFtWGDDw6CKVZB9Bu44rS1NBvEiHDGNXKfHgj2ZmCQ0wdlWSCRibKK7J_Q/s1600/frugal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73xZV1kMoK4cAQw4Faf5FJP0NchgV8xzFD9zG0CQIZBOjYecAhwGs4mSl3qC8AOXqS7ZKe9nbYkDT2zOd3GFtWGDDw6CKVZB9Bu44rS1NBvEiHDGNXKfHgj2ZmCQ0wdlWSCRibKK7J_Q/s1600/frugal.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Allow me to answer your
question with a few questions of my own (I am a lawyer after all):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What’s more important to
you: Saving a few bucks on a cheap(er) attorney? Or keeping your driver’s
license? Keeping your job? Protecting your future? Keeping
your freedom?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An attorney’s fee is
obviously a very important consideration when deciding who should represent you
in your DWI case (or any criminal case for that matter). But that’s all
it should be, a consideration. To hire an attorney based on fee alone may
be the biggest mistake you could ever make in your life. And if you
make the wrong choice, it could very well cost you some of the most important
things in your life. It’s your life. You should want to fight
for it and do what needs to be done to have the best opportunity to protect it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">That doesn't mean
you should run out and hire the most expensive attorney you can find
thinking that by handing over your life savings your case will
automatically be dismissed! But it does mean you shouldn't balk at
the attorney who has a slightly higher fee than others. Instead, ask
yourself <i>why </i>they charge more. Check that. Ask the <i>attorney</i> why
he or she charges more! If they can’t give you a legitimate explanation,
well, then grab your coat and hat and get the hell out of there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But any acceptable
explanation should educate you as the potential client as to that particular
attorney’s experience as a DWI defense attorney. Note that I said
experience specifically as a <i>DWI defense attorney,</i> not just
experience as an everyday “defense attorney”. Remember Venn Diagrams from
school? Think of it like that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All DWI defense
attorneys are criminal defense attorneys; but not all criminal defense
attorneys are DWI defense attorneys.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An attorney who has more
experience defending DWI clients <i>should</i> charge a little more
than another attorney who doesn’t have so much experience, don’t you
think? All of those years of experience are valuable; they’re worth
something, not just to the attorney, but to you as the client! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Experienced DWI defense attorneys know what to look
for; they know where the potential problems are and where potential points
may be scored against the prosecution. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They know the Assistant District Attorneys who
prosecute DWI offenses; which ones negotiate and how best to do it. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They know the individual judges and their personal
policies and pitfalls with respect to DWI cases.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They know the arresting officers, not just from seeing
their names on the paperwork, but from interacting with them at hearings
and trials; they know how the officers will react on the stand. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They know how chemical test machines work, what the
potential problems with the machines are, and what all those pages with
all the little numbers all over the place mean (and what the little
numbers themselves mean!).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They know how each consequence of each conviction or
disposition will affect every client. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They understand and can explain to you what actions the
DMV will take in certain circumstances and how that might affect your
overall case.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They know how to handle a refusal and what happens at a
refusal hearing, and how the result of that hearing will affect your
criminal cases.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And countless other nuances to DWI defense that the
unfamiliar attorney who merely dabbles in DWI defense will never
understand. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All of that experience
and knowledge significantly increases your chance of getting a decent resolution
(although, as with all things in life and Vegas, there is <i>never</i> a
guarantee).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So,
really, wouldn't you want the person who knows more than the other
guy about something that can quite possibly affect the rest of your
life? And those few extra dollars you spend now on the attorney worth his
or her salt in DWI defense could actually end up saving you hundreds and
possibly thousands of dollars at the conclusion of your case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The DWI defense
attorneys at Catalano & Carpenter LLP strive to provide exemplary service
to all of our clients, DWI and otherwise. Sure, sometimes we’re a little
more expensive than some other attorneys in the area (and sometimes we’re not),
but no matter what the fee or the case, our clients can rest assured they are
receiving the highest service we can possibly provide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you or someone you
care about has been charged with DWI, call the experienced DWI defense
attorneys at <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b> at <b>(845)
454-1919</b> today or visit us at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</span></a> to
schedule a free no obligation consultation.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-3402396241615822712015-01-25T12:49:00.000-08:002015-01-25T12:49:34.991-08:00Underage DWI and New York Zero Tolerance Laws<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNm6NKKFphn8soV6112UBfTEPjLsIGLP6yrpzIhi9A4o83-IGKAufY15POhhW7Aq1-4wgEW7WTB8Fu30DIIypTrymJBZa-Zwt53wyDFkdYI13s5ftQrtqsGQ-ueHvB1fX_fI5uXkHzik/s1600/1192-a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNm6NKKFphn8soV6112UBfTEPjLsIGLP6yrpzIhi9A4o83-IGKAufY15POhhW7Aq1-4wgEW7WTB8Fu30DIIypTrymJBZa-Zwt53wyDFkdYI13s5ftQrtqsGQ-ueHvB1fX_fI5uXkHzik/s1600/1192-a.png" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you’re under 21 at
the time of your arrest for an alcohol-related driving offense, the penalties
for a conviction may vary greatly from the same conviction for someone over
21. That only makes sense tho, right? The law says you can’t drink
at all. So by drinking and driving, you’re breaking even more laws than the
person over 21 who also made the poor choice to drink and drive! But
believe it or not, your age may actually work to your advantage if you do get
arrested for DWI under 21!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Generally speaking,
there are two ways an underage DWI can go down: it can be handled 1) in the
criminal courts (as an underage/possible youthful offender), or 2) at the
administrative/DMV level (as a Zero Tolerance violation). This blog entry
discusses only Zero Tolerance laws. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How your case is
ultimately resolved will depend on many factors, including what you are
initially charged with, obviously! A violation of the Zero Tolerance Law
(VTL 1192-a) <u>is</u> a
chargeable offense (if your BAC at the time you were driving was between .02
and .07). However, most law enforcement agencies (at least most of the
ones I deal with on a regular basis) rarely, if ever, charge a violation of
1192-a. They will instead issue a violation of Driving While Ability
Impaired (<a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/driving-while-ability-impaired-dwai-in.html">DWAI</a>) in violation of VTL 1192(1) and let the chips fall where they
may. In that situation, it is up to your attorney to convince the
prosecutor why you should be granted the enormous break of a Zero Tolerance <i>adjudication</i> rather
than an alcohol related <i>conviction</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So what is so great
about a Zero Tolerance adjudication? Plenty! Below is a list of
just what a Zero Tolerance adjudication involves in terms of penalties and
other sanctions. Keep in mind this list applies only to Zero Tolerance
adjudications (not criminal convictions). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prompt Suspension Law</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (“suspension pending prosecution”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the case of underage
offenders charged with a violation of VTL 1192(1) – DWAI – only, the court will
suspended the person’s license/permit/driving privileges at the first
appearance (as opposed to a person over 21 who cannot be suspended pending
prosecution unless there is proof of a BAC of .08 or higher, i.e., DWI or
Aggravated DWI only).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversely, the
license/permit/driving privileges of a person charged with a violation of VTL
1192-a (the Zero Tolerance Law) only <i>cannot</i> be suspended at
arraignment, or where your attorney has worked out a Zero Tolerance resolution
with the prosecutor <i>prior </i>to your first appearance. (Clearly
then it is to your advantage to call us immediately after your arrest to
provide us an opportunity to resolve your case prior to arraignment).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zero Tolerance Penalties/Sanctions</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First Offense</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">NOT a criminal
conviction;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">License/permit/driving
privileges suspended for 6 months;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">If a refusal (first
offense), revoked for at least one year;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Registration may be
suspended for 6 months;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">$125 civil penalty;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Likely eligible for
Drinking Driver Program (DDP) and a conditional license; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Successful completion of
DDP may result in early termination of 6 month suspension</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second Offense</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">NOT a criminal
conviction;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">License/permit/driving
privileges revoked for at least one (1) year or until the person reaches the
age of 21, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">whichever is longer</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">If a refusal (second
offense); revoked for at least one (1) year or until the person reaches the age
of 21, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">whichever is longer;</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Registration may be
revoked for at least one (1) year or until the person reaches the age of 21, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">whichever
is longer</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">$125 civil penalty;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">NOT eligible for DDP or
conditional license.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">***Keep in mind,
however, that if you’ve already been permitted one Zero Tolerance adjudication
by the prosecutor, the odds of a second within such a short period of time are
very slim!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Records are
Sealed/Destroyed</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All records of a Zero
Tolerance adjudication are deemed destroyed after 3 years from the date of a
hearing resulting in a Zero Tolerance finding or entry of waiver of hearing, or
when the person reaches the age of 21, <i>whichever is longer</i>.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The attorneys at
Catalano & Carpenter LLP have obtained Zero Tolerance adjudications for
many drivers under the age of 21 who were initially charged with violations of
VTL 1192. If you are under 21 and have been arrested for an alcohol related
driving offense, call us today to discuss your options and whether you may be
appropriate for a Zero Tolerance adjudication (please note that if your BAC is
anywhere near your age, you’re not getting a Zero Tolerance offer, plain and
simple; but other favorable dispositions may still be available). </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A Zero Tolerance
adjudication is a great resolution in those cases where a dismissal, ACD, or
plea to a lesser traffic violation is not warranted or possible (which is the
case in many if not most DWI prosecutions). The knowledgeable and skilled
DWI defense attorneys at <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b> know the ins and outs
of obtaining a Zero Tolerance offer. If you have been arrested for an
alcohol related offense and are under 21, call us today at <b>(845) 454-1919</b> or
visit us at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</span></a> to schedule a free
consultation. The sooner you call the sooner we can help.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For more information
about Zero Tolerance Laws and penalties, visit the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Safe NY - <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.safeny.ny.gov/zero-tol.htm">http://www.safeny.ny.gov/zero-tol.htm</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">NYS DMV - <a href="http://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/penalties-alcohol-or-drug-related-violations"><span style="color: blue;">http://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/penalties-alcohol-or-drug-related-violations</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-52428042516991621472015-01-25T12:28:00.002-08:002015-01-25T12:28:43.791-08:00Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Violation of NYS VTL Sec. 1192.3.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaakmrGN8hvnIiyR8u4H0tP4HJvx0cEG8G5DEqNHE6ydfrzXVlBTwfQasCyz9s6ukt0iNx7JbgxxW0dD-RPSxciULmYtrGJzvwoult6mRVpnaB4dNtAyhzQy1dZHMSI7TD3LarH6gSbc/s1600/FTN.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaakmrGN8hvnIiyR8u4H0tP4HJvx0cEG8G5DEqNHE6ydfrzXVlBTwfQasCyz9s6ukt0iNx7JbgxxW0dD-RPSxciULmYtrGJzvwoult6mRVpnaB4dNtAyhzQy1dZHMSI7TD3LarH6gSbc/s1600/FTN.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Driving While
Intoxicated. No person shall operate a motor vehicle while in an
intoxicated condition.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">NY
VTL 1192.3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Although this may seem
like a pretty straightforward law (don't drive while intoxicated!), proving
someone has violated it is really not that simple. Most DWI defense
attorneys chomp at the bit when a lone 1192.3 charge comes through the door
because there's no BAC to cause headaches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">BAC's are bad.
Juries love BAC's..."A<i> computer</i> says that the BAC
was .10, so it must be accurate, and the defendant must be
guilty!"...says the jury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And even tho DWI defense
attorneys should, at a minimum, attempt to discredit a chemical test
result/machine when there is a BAC, at the end of the day juries are reluctant
to disregard what they consider to be hard evidence of intoxication unless
there was proof of a malfunction or some other bona fide error.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But you don't have to
deal with that on an 1192.3 charge! The fertile ground to explore in a
VTL 1192.3 charge is the subjective observations of the arresting officer and
any other witnesses. To a criminal defense attorney, that's good stuff!
But what does that mean?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Opinion! That's what
that means. Although a major factor in an 1192.3 arrest is the driver's
performance on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (which aren't really very <i>standardized</i>),
it should also be based upon the arresting officer's overall opinion
(formulated from his or her entire observations) that the driver is
intoxicated. Think about that for a second. The arrest is premised
upon the observations of a person who (in most cases) has never met the driver
before; has no idea how the driver looks, behaves or moves on any given day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Obviously, if a driver
has to clear the beer cans from his lap before he pours himself out of the car
and throws up clear vodka on the officers shoes, that may be a bit of a
no-brainer. But that's not the typical situation (I hope!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With regard to all DWI
stops (for <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/driving-while-intoxicated-dwi-in.html">1192.2</a></span>, 1192.3 or otherwise), the officer is
trained to observe the driver from the instant contact is made (meaning, once
they come into contact with the <i>vehicle</i>, not necessarily the
driver). They will watch for erratic operation or a violation of a
traffic law (or worse) and use that as the basis to initiate the stop.
The officer will observe when and how the vehicle responds to the
direction to pull over. After the officer arrives at the vehicle,
observations through the door/window are being made of the driver's physical
appearance, eyes, odor, speech and motor coordination; observations of how the
driver exits the vehicle, and ultimately how the driver performs on the <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/you-do-not-have-to-perform-field.html">Standardized Field Sobriety Tests</a></span> (SFSTs).
And if there's no BAC (and there wouldn't be for just an 1192.3 charge),
that's the prosecutor's entire case, ladies and gentlemen!***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And what fun a skilled
DWI defense attorney can have cross-examining the arresting officer about his
or her subjective opinions, subjective application and interpretation of the
SFSTs (physical tests requiring movement and coordination not normally engaged
in by the every day driver), and the officer's subjective state of mind (before
any probable cause has been established) as s/he pulled someone over at 2:00 AM
on a Friday night for an innocuous speeding violation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(*** Generally in a case
where the only DWI related charge is an 1192.3, it may be because the driver
refused to provide a sample for chemical test analysis (i.e., a
"refusal"). In that case, there are certain consequences of the
refusal that come into play at the criminal trial. Specifically, in most
circumstances the jury may be given a "refusal charge," which permits
to prosecutor to inform the jury that the driver's refusal to provide a sample
was a conscious decision because the driver knew he or she would fail the test,
i.e., "consciousness of guilt." That can be difficult to
contend with at trial, but not impossible. Similarly, there will be the <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/you-refused-chemical-test-in-new-york.html">civil consequences of a refusal</a></span>; that topic is
dealt with in a previous entry.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cases charging just a
violation of 1192.3 occur a lot. And although they are typically hampered
by a related refusal charge, the skilled DWI defense attorneys at Catalano
& Carpenter LLP know how to effectively challenge the evidence of an 1192.3
arrest, minimize or leverage the refusal, if one exists, and in many cases are
able secure a pre-trial plea or trial verdict of a <a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/driving-while-ability-impaired-dwai-in.html">DWAI</a> violation or other
non-criminal resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">No matter the charge, a
DWI arrest is serious and can result in serious and immediate consequences.
If you have been arrested for any DWI offense, call the knowledgeable and
experienced DWI defense attorneys at <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b> today
at <b>(845) 454-1919</b>, or visit us online at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</span></b></a> to
schedule a free consultation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-33319684381908796542015-01-25T12:16:00.002-08:002015-01-25T12:18:22.716-08:00NYS VTL 1192.2-a(a). Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgDUmEUb0Jzas92PXi07sP0k9viM_a-fT324v_rK3dkkYvVEIOHzduAE4pHwJuXfQoaGJTTLWuKNxvxAQ6bIv1Ce0x1nXfJvDcCQRTB-1NKfZt6srFpdnVA7BKzI6stF72EqEoD0p4W8/s1600/Aggravated.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgDUmEUb0Jzas92PXi07sP0k9viM_a-fT324v_rK3dkkYvVEIOHzduAE4pHwJuXfQoaGJTTLWuKNxvxAQ6bIv1Ce0x1nXfJvDcCQRTB-1NKfZt6srFpdnVA7BKzI6stF72EqEoD0p4W8/s1600/Aggravated.png" height="171" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(a) Per se. No person
shall operate a motor vehicle while such person has .18 of one per centum or
more by weight of alcohol in such person's blood as shown by a chemical
analysis of such person's blood, breath, urine or saliva made pursuant to the
provisions of section 1194 of this article. </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(b) With a child. No
person shall operate a motor vehicle in violation of subdivision 2, 3, 4 or 4-a
of this section while a child who is 15 years of age or less is a
passenger in such motor vehicle. </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">NY VTL 1192.2-a.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aggravated DWI in NY
comes in two forms: (1) driving with a BAC of .18 or higher, or (2) driving
while intoxicated or impaired by drugs with a child under 16 years old in the
car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, while a first
offense of subdivision (a) is a misdemeanor, a first offense of subdivision (b)
is an automatic felony (and the subject of another post), regardless of how
squeaky clean your criminal or driving history may be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A charge of misdemeanor
aggravated DWI will result in the suspension of your driving privileges at
arraignment, the very first court appearance, before you have been found guilty
of anything. And the penalties for an actual conviction of misdemeanor
aggravated DWI are significant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Penalties</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
First Offense</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Punishable by a fine of between $1,000 to $2,500, up to
one (1) year in jail, or both a fine and jail;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Possible probation;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mandatory state surcharge/fees of $400; <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">License/driving privileges revocation of one (1) year;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Driver Responsibility Assessment fee of $750; and <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ignition Interlock Device ("IID") installed
and maintained at defendant's expense for no less than 6 months.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A person convicted of
aggravated DWI will most likely also be required to complete various programs
(e.g., Victim Impact Panel ("VIP") and Drinking Driver Program
("DDP")), as well as an alcohol and/or substance abuse evaluation,
all at the defendant's expense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second Offense</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (more than 10 years from prior any DWI
conviction)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Punishable by a fine of between $1,000 to $2,500, up to
one (1) year in jail or both a fine and jail;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Possible probation;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mandatory state surcharge/fees of $400;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">License/driving privilege revocation of 18 months;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Driver Responsibility Assessment fee of $750; and <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ignition Interlock Device ("IID") installed
and maintained at defendant's expense for no less than 6 months. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A person convicted of
aggravated DWI will most likely also be required to complete various programs
(e.g., Victim Impact Panel ("VIP") and Drinking Driver Program
("DDP")), as well as an alcohol and/or substance abuse evaluation,
all at the defendant's expense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second Offense Within 5
Years</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A second DWI offense
within 10 years of a prior DWI related conviction would most likely be charged
as a class E felony,subject to higher fines and up to 4 years in state prison.
The experienced DWI defense attorneys at Catalano &amp; Carpenter LLP
may be able to avoid a felony conviction in certain cases (if the charge can't
be beaten altogether), in which case the defendant would be subject to the
typical second misdemeanor offense penalties above, but with the additional
penalty of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either 5 days in jail or, alternatively, 30 days of
community service. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Third or Subsequent
Offense Within 5 Years</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Likewise, a third or
worse DWI offense within a 5 year period would most likely result in a charge
of DWI as a class D felony, again, punishable by even higher fines and up to 7
years in state prison. A successful reduction of such a felony to yet
another misdemeanor conviction would similarly result in the same penalties as
a second misdemeanor offense within 5 years, but this time with:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either 10 days in jail or, alternatively, 60 days of
community service. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Any charge of DWI,
aggravated, felony or otherwise, can be devastating to both the defendant and
the defendant's family. And those consequences can be felt immediately
after the arrest. It is therefore critical that anyone charged with an
alcohol related driving offense speak with an experienced and knowledgeable DWI
defense attorney immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The DWI defense
attorneys at Catalano &amp; Carpenter LLP have established a reputation for
aggressively and successfully defending and protecting the rights of
individuals throughout the Hudson Valley charged with alcohol related driving
offenses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you are charged with
any alcohol related driving offense, call the experienced DWI defense attorneys
at <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b> today at <b>(845)
454-1919</b> to schedule a <b>free consultation</b>, or visit us
online at <b><a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</span></a></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-61848554620304483152015-01-25T12:12:00.002-08:002015-01-25T12:12:34.437-08:00Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in violation of NYS VTL Sec. 1192.2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUWR99eOFOf08NzJs8DZjQuV8aiNDuTkxzkLnLcgbQWq1kB1yN3McVodc9hxaYhwx6R0FeHw_CyRW3t9pfAGKSpRSlXIgR_alHHpfqdjMA-Hb_Us7e4f8YiwgvecetdLeeGuB1O3nf90/s1600/1192.2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUWR99eOFOf08NzJs8DZjQuV8aiNDuTkxzkLnLcgbQWq1kB1yN3McVodc9hxaYhwx6R0FeHw_CyRW3t9pfAGKSpRSlXIgR_alHHpfqdjMA-Hb_Us7e4f8YiwgvecetdLeeGuB1O3nf90/s1600/1192.2.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Driving while intoxicated; per se.
No person
shall operate a motor vehicle while such person has .08 of one per centum or
more by weight of alcohol in the person’s blood as shown by chemical analysis
of such person’s blood, breath, urine or saliva, made pursuant to the
provisions of section eleven hundred ninety-four of this article.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">NY VTL 1192.2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is the DWI offense
charged when you provide a sample of your blood, breath, urine or saliva for a
chemical test, typically at the police station (not as a result of blowing into
the little box on the side of the road) and the result is a .08 BA or
higher. So, if you don’t provide that sample for the chemical test, you
cannot be charged with a violation of 1192.2. Be advised, however, there
are alternative consequences to not providing a sample, i.e., refusal hearings
and revocations, and in some instances the court can order a compulsory blood
draw for chemical test purposes. Alternatively, if you do provide a
sample and the BAC is .18 or higher, you will be charged with a violation of
1192.2-a(a), Aggravated DWI, instead of 1192.2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An 1192.2 charge will
also almost certainly guarantee that your license or NYS driving privileges
will be suspended pending prosecution at your arraignment. The court may
grant you a hardship privilege at that time, and if you’re eligible, you may
apply for a conditional license after 30 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A “first offense”
conviction of 1192.2 is a misdemeanor, a criminal conviction, and will result
in a criminal record.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Penalties</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As long as the instant
offense is not a second (or more) DWI (either an 1192.2, 1192.2-a,
1192.3,1192.4 or 1192.4-a) within 10 years, it will be a “first offense” DWI, a
misdemeanor, subject to the following penalties:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First offense</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Misdemeanor;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Punishable by a fine of between $500 and $1,000, up to
one (1) year in jail, or both fine and jail;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Possible probation;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surcharge of $400;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DMV driver responsibility assessment of $750;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Installation of the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for
at least 6 months; and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">License or NYS driving privilege revocation for at
least 6 months.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will most likely be
required to attend and complete various programs and classes (DDP and/or VIP),
as well as alcohol or substance abuse screening, all at your expense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<u>Second offense</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Misdemeanor;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Punishable by a fine of between $500 and $1,000, up to
one (1) year in jail, or both fine and jail;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Possible probation;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surcharge of $400;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DMV driver responsibility assessment of $750;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Installation of the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for
at least 6 months; and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">License or NYS driving privilege revocation for at
least 1 year (or 18 months where prior conviction was for 1192.2-a).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will most likely be
required to attend and complete various programs and classes (DDP and/or VIP),
as well as alcohol or substance abuse screening, all at your expense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second offense within 5
years</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A second offense within
10 years of a previous DWI conviction for either 1192.2, 1192.2-a,
1192.3,1192.4 or 1192.4-a may be charged as a felony DWI, in this
case, E Felony DWI, subject to much more substantial penalties than a
misdemeanor. The possibility exists, however, that even a felony DWI
charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor. In that case, the penalties for
this second offense will typically be the same as a first offense, with the
addition of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either 5 days in jail or, alternatively, 30 days of
community service.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Third or subsequent
offense within 5 years</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Again, a serious
possibility for a felony charge exists under these circumstances, in this case,
D Felony DWI. However, in the event the matter ends up being resolved
with yet another misdemeanor DWI, the same penalties as a first offense would
apply, with the addition of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either 10 days in jail or, alternatively, 60 days of
community service.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are many important
things to look for with regard to an arrest for 1192.2, beginning with the
initial consultation. An experienced DWI attorney will know what those
things are and how to use them to your advantage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And although a regularly
calibrated and well-maintained machine produced a reading of .08 or more, there
may still be ways to call into question the operability of the machine or even
the qualifications (or lack thereof) of the breath test machine operator.
This all goes to the creation of reasonable doubt. Machines are good, but
not infallible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As with all alcohol
related driving offenses, the consequences of not just a conviction but the
arrest itself can be devastating. It is therefore critical that anyone
arrested for and charged with any violation of VTL 1192 contact a knowledgeable
and experienced DWI attorney immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The attorneys at
Catalano & Carpenter LLP have established a reputation for aggressively and
successfully defending and protecting the rights of individuals throughout the
Hudson Valley charged with alcohol related driving offenses. If you or someone close to you has been
charged with any alcohol related driving offense, call <b>Catalano &
Carpenter LLP</b> today at <b>(845) 454-1919</b> for a free
consultation, or visit us online at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-62262578356545369232015-01-25T12:07:00.002-08:002015-01-25T12:07:42.738-08:00Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) in violation of NYS VTL Sec. 1192.1.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKFMG2iNcF8z9kVGSYV_lfSVwoNLynSys5eI6TlRZOw1gSYAHPGmWlJdO9w5acTnbKIfEK8cKx3WInTFRxOdZwHDXIQ2VP-uoliFKRJBmQ1s9UYziFnhDkDtE8DCT3J2WsLGOcZQbIQ4/s1600/DWAI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKFMG2iNcF8z9kVGSYV_lfSVwoNLynSys5eI6TlRZOw1gSYAHPGmWlJdO9w5acTnbKIfEK8cKx3WInTFRxOdZwHDXIQ2VP-uoliFKRJBmQ1s9UYziFnhDkDtE8DCT3J2WsLGOcZQbIQ4/s1600/DWAI.png" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">No person shall operate a motor vehicle while
the person’s ability to operate such motor vehicle is impaired by the
consumption of alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">NYS VTL Sec. 1192.1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">While there is no
statutory provision defining what BAC constitutes impairment, the general rule
is that a person is DWAI if they have a BAC of more than <b><i>.05 but
less than .07, or there is other evidence of impairment</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The “other evidence of
impairment” is essentially a catch-all provision. Because alcohol affects
everyone differently, a driver may have a BAC of only .04, or even a .03, but
still be “impaired” under the law, and therefore subject to prosecution.
A person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle is “impaired” by alcohol
when <b><i>the</i></b><i> <b>physical and mental abilities which such
person is expected to possess in order to operate a vehicle as a reasonable and
prudent driver are impaired <u>to any extent</u></b></i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“To any extent” is a
subjective determination made by the arresting officer (or any other witnesses)
and will typically be based upon any of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the defendant’s physical condition and appearance,
balance and coordination, and manner of speech;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the presence or absence of an odor of alcohol;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the manner in which the defendant operated the motor
vehicle;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">opinion testimony regarding the driver’s sobriety
(usually based on performance of <a href="http://newyorkcriminaldefenseattorney.blogspot.com/2014/03/you-do-not-have-to-perform-field.html">field
sobriety tests</a>); and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the circumstances of any accident. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If a BAC was obtained,
that will obviously be a consideration, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Penalties</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Provided the instant
offense is not the third (or more) such offense within the 10 years, a DWAI
conviction is a traffic infraction. <b>A traffic infraction is not a
crime</b>. However, the third or subsequent such offense within a 10 year
period will be deemed a misdemeanor, which <i>is</i> a crime and may
result in a criminal conviction/record.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The penalties for a DWAI
conviction are as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First offense</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traffic infraction;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Punishable by a fine of between $300 and $500, or by up
to 15 days in jail, or both a fine and jail;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surcharge of $260;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DMV driver responsibility assessment of $750; and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">License or NYS driving privileges will be suspended for
90 days (unless you are under 21 or possess a CDL). <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second offense within 5
years</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traffic Infraction;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Punishable by a fine of between $500 and $750, or by up
to 30 days in jail, or both a fine and jail;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surcharge of $260;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DMV driver responsibility assessment of $750; and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">License or NYS driving privileges will be revoked for
at least 6 months. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Third or subsequent
offense within 10 years</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Misdemeanor;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Punishable by a fine of between $750 and $1,500, or by
up to 180 days in jail, or both a fine and jail;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surcharge of $400;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DMV driver responsibility assessment of $750; and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">License or NYS driving privileges will be revoked for
at least 6 months.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Depending on the
specific circumstances of your case, you may will also be required to attend
and complete various programs and classes (DDP and/or VIP), as well as alcohol
or substance abuse screening, all at your expense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Although only a
non-criminal traffic infraction, a conviction for even a first offense DWAI can
be devastating; from paying high fines along with the associated collateral
expenses (e.g., attorney’s fees, programs and screening costs) to prolonged
license revocation to possible loss of employment. However, because
a DWAI arrest may be based on so many subjective factors, there may be
substantial opportunity to negotiate a plea to a reduced offense or beat the
charge entirely at trial. It is therefore critical that anyone arrested for and
charged with a violation of DWAI (VTL 1192.1) contact a knowledgeable and
experienced DWI attorney immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The attorneys at
Catalano & Carpenter LLP have established a reputation for aggressively and
successfully defending and protecting the rights of individuals throughout the
Hudson Valley charged with alcohol related driving offenses. If you or someone close to you has been
charged with any alcohol related driving offense, call the <b>Catalano &
Carpenter LLP </b>today to schedule a
free consultation at <b>(845) 454-1919</b>, or visit us online
at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-22400181282460988662015-01-25T12:01:00.001-08:002015-01-25T12:01:52.338-08:00Implied Consent and New York DWI Laws<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBPT8Q6swf-p0mrMWcCQrVzFiZYWuYHB9MIhXEUVvMqJJNr758uK-edFfbNbdTAxCRSSxN06wUxFuATiabl9rJkFQ6c4eGxwpTIJg2OOQ04Mho8akoWp0ALZszhudZpGLMJrchzfz_Cc/s1600/needles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBPT8Q6swf-p0mrMWcCQrVzFiZYWuYHB9MIhXEUVvMqJJNr758uK-edFfbNbdTAxCRSSxN06wUxFuATiabl9rJkFQ6c4eGxwpTIJg2OOQ04Mho8akoWp0ALZszhudZpGLMJrchzfz_Cc/s1600/needles.png" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Most people don’t realize
that by just hopping into the car to run to the store or drive to work they
have actually made an agreement with the state of New York (other than to not
drive like an a**hole…an agreement violated with far too much frequency,
btw). By getting behind the wheel, you as the driver have agreed to
consent to a chemical test in the event you are stopped by a police officer who
might suspect that you are driving while intoxicated or impaired. This is the
law of “implied consent,” and specifically states that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Any person who operates a motor vehicle in this state shall be
deemed to have given consent to a chemical test of one or more of the
following: breath, blood, urine, or saliva, for the purpose of determining the
alcoholic and/or drug content of the blood provided that such test is
administered by or at the direction of a police officer with respect to a
chemical test of breath, urine or saliva or, with respect to a chemical test of
blood, at the direction of a police officer:</span><u1:p></u1:p></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (1)</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Having reasonable grounds to
believe such person to have been operating in violation of any subdivision of
[VTL 1192] of this article and within two hours after such person has been
placed under arrest for any such violation.<u1:p></u1:p></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Sec. 1194(2)(a).<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What exactly does this
mean? It means that if you refuse to provide that sample when legally
requested, you could be subjected to civil penalties and sanctions (see my
previous entry re:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://poughkeepsiedwiattorney.blogspot.com/2015/01/you-refused-chemical-test-in-new-york.html">chemical test refusals</a>). It also means that in the event you are unconscious
(after an accident or perhaps some sudden onset of a medical emergency), the
police can just take your blood without a peep from you or anyone else! Why?
Because you’ve given that implied consent by driving in New York in the first
place!<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now that doesn’t mean the
police can just drive around with a needle at the ready and jam it into
anyone’s arm who they might find in the unfortunate state of unconsciousness
behind the wheel. In order for the implied consent law to come into play,
the officer must have “reasonable ground” (i.e., probable cause) to believe
that you have been operating in violation of VTL 1192, that is, driving drunk,
drugged or impaired. The test must also be administered within two hours of the
time of arrest. If either of those requirements is not satisfied, a
competent DWI defense attorney (appearing before a reasonable judge) should be
able to have the results of the blood test suppressed.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Note that taking a sample
for a chemical test pursuant to implied consent is different than a compulsory
blood test (a topic for the next article!).<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> If you
have been arrested and charged with DWI, contact the experienced, knowledgeable
and proven DWI defense attorneys at <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP</b> today for a
free consultation at <b>(845) 454-1919</b>, or through us online at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-16412384603322619382015-01-25T11:50:00.001-08:002015-01-25T11:50:51.661-08:00I was arrested for DWI. Why did I get charged with DWI twice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0YQX1yTpnFWzGkWXlUr8BRRu15RmN-hfoPfFtXAo_TEqQbUq9QeAaR3GbsAE7WR1K0Hi9nbvnzXMsW_po7r96W-KKinsClnvk4jugihQ_Sczv697jPiW3-YweW6XwMCHg6htEXtwNvc/s1600/2015-01-25_1449.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0YQX1yTpnFWzGkWXlUr8BRRu15RmN-hfoPfFtXAo_TEqQbUq9QeAaR3GbsAE7WR1K0Hi9nbvnzXMsW_po7r96W-KKinsClnvk4jugihQ_Sczv697jPiW3-YweW6XwMCHg6htEXtwNvc/s1600/2015-01-25_1449.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If you were recently
arrested for DWI, let me say that I’m sorry you have to go through this.
But this is no time to wallow in self-pity. The consequences of even the
DWI<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>arrest<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>itself can be catastrophic for
you. So it is imperative you speak to an experienced DWI defense attorney
immediately to protect yourself and your rights. <o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So now that the dust has
settled and you've had a chance (or finally forced yourself) to sit down and
actually look through the fistful of papers you were given on the night (or
early morning) in question, you’ve probably noticed that you were given two separate
tickets for two different DWI charges (assuming you provided a chemical test
sample at the station). Before you react in one of two typical ways – 1)
you get excited thinking you’re going to beat this on a technicality because
they issued wrong/too many tickets, or 2) you’re overcome with a sense of dread
because you've been charged with two DWI’s – just take a deep breath and read
on. Although the second reaction above is unfortunately the more correct
one, it does not mean the end of the world or that you’re screwed x 2.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yes, you have been charged
with two separate counts of DWI. The first accuses you of driving with a
blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more in violation of NYS VTL 1192.2.
This is called<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>per se</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>DWI; “per se” very loosely translated
means “it is what it is.” You do not need to show<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>any<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>signs of impairment to catch this
charge. If you blow at the station and the result is a BAC of .08 or
higher, boom…here’s your 1192.2 ticket.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The second ticket charges
you literally with “driving while intoxicated”, in violation of NYS VTL 1192.3.
That simply means that based on the arresting officer’s subjective
opinion, you were driving while your ability to do so as a reasonably safe and
prudent person was impaired by alcohol. For example, you were all over
the road, reeked of booze, and failed in glorious fashion every single field
sobriety test that was administered to you…the hat-trick. So if you are
pulled over and arrested for DWI but refuse to provide a chemical test sample,
rest assured you will still be issued a ticket for 1192.3.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As I said, these two
charges – despite both accusing you of DWI – are in fact two separate and
distinct offenses. The evidence required to convict on one is different
from the other. And should your matter proceed to trial, you can indeed
be convicted of one and beat the other, be convicted of both, or beat both.
Most plea bargains, however, will only require that you plead guilty to
one count (or, ideally, one<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>reduced</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>count) to cover the other. So at
the end of the day, you’ll stand convicted of only 1 charge instead of two;
thus the incentive to take a plea in some cases. <o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Defending DWI charges is a
complicated matter requiring knowledge and application of difficult scientific
principles in addition to a thorough understanding of the DWI laws themselves
and all collateral non-criminal consequences. If you find yourself in the
unfortunate situation of being charged with DWI, call the experienced DWI
defense attorneys at <b>Catalano &
Carpenter LLP</b> today at <b>(845)
454-1919</b> to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-35523936647397889002015-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:002015-01-25T11:43:27.775-08:00The NYS DMV denied my license re-application. Now what?!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xGRJ-Xfswd_oeaqtsL5PP8hQ4-BROTMHvu8cKGzIRR8K9klM6dfd5at5pb5TEgKzjYybOksOotDa-ehDaHxXGEQl9am8LW9J0HYj-vA-Jst45xsxUfKUHz3dk7GfNnX-NhnF3IjLPDc/s1600/2014-06-12_1618.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xGRJ-Xfswd_oeaqtsL5PP8hQ4-BROTMHvu8cKGzIRR8K9klM6dfd5at5pb5TEgKzjYybOksOotDa-ehDaHxXGEQl9am8LW9J0HYj-vA-Jst45xsxUfKUHz3dk7GfNnX-NhnF3IjLPDc/s1600/2014-06-12_1618.png" height="83" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I've</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> fielded a lot of phone calls over the last few months from people who have been caught up in the “new” DMV regulatory rigmarole and have been denied driving privileges after they re-applied. So this quick little article is for all those out there who I haven’t been able to speak to directly and explain what your options are…if any.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The scenario typically plays out something like this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You were convicted of an alcohol related driving offense a rrreeeaaallllly long time ago (say, October 2011).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When you agreed to plead out to whatever offense you pleaded to (e.g., DWI - .08% or more BAC), you were advised that your license would be suspended for a specified period of time, like 6 months, or 1 year for an Aggravated DWI or because of a prior or some other aggravating factor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You dutifully served your suspension without incident, and I’ll be damned if you didn't learn your lesson and swore off the “evils of alcohol” altogether and readied yourself for your new and prosperous life once you get your license back and are able to feel like a citizen of the 21</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> century again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So, at or near the termination of your suspension period - and with excitement and relief – you reapply for your license according to very instructions provided you by the DMV, following every letter with meticulous attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Or maybe you’re one of the countless souls who procrastinated in reapplying for your license because you were fortunate enough to just not really need it back right away (even tho you were eligible to reapply back in 2011).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So in goes the application….your hand extended, grinning ear to ear, eager to receive your temporary license back in return and begin anew….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">WHAM! The DMV denies your application! And not only did they deny it, they did so with a vengeance! You were told that you couldn't reapply for your license again for another 5 years! Or worse: you can NEVER reapply!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In astonishment you stare back at the clerk, mouth agape, and manage only to blurt out (quite possibly at the top of your lungs with a raspberry red face)…..”WTF?!?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You are now a victim of the notorious “new” DMV regulations. Welcome to the club! You’re not alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So what do you do now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you have any desire to attempt to reverse the DMV’s determination to deny your application and possibly regain your driving privileges in the future, you MUST follow a very specific course of action within a very short timeline. Stewing in anger for a few days or weeks before taking action is not an option for you here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The DMV will issue you a written decision denying your application. The end of that letter will advise you that you only have <b><u>60 DAYS</u></b> from the date of that decision to file your administrative appeal with the DMV, should you wish to do so (I’m assuming you probably wish to do so).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There are very specific arguments that should/can be made in this appeal (“<i>I haven’t had a sip of booze in 1 year and I need my license to keep my job, and oh yeah, this is total effin bullsh*t!!!</i>” is not a worthwhile argument, I promise you). You would be wise to consult an attorney at this stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In all honesty, the odds of having any success with this appeal is pretty much non-existent (you’re asking the DMV to reverse itself, so good luck with that!). But this step MUST be taken in order for you to be able to proceed to the next step of filing what’s called an “Article 78” in state Supreme Court.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Article 78 is your opportunity to get your case in front of an actual judge who will consider more or perhaps just broader arguments than you may have been able to include in your administrative appeal, like ex post facto and constitutionality issues. However, as with the admin appeal, the Article 78 also has a very short timeline. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Article 78 petition must be filed within <b><u>4 MONTHS</u></b> of the final DMV decision denying your administrative appeal. And I can tell you first hand, 4 months goes by a lot faster than you might think. An Article 78 is extensive and requires a lot of research and work and is just generally very time consuming to prepare. You should absolutely hire an attorney experienced with Article 78 petitions of this nature. And your attorney will thank you very much for giving him or her as much time as possible to prepare the petition; whereas your case may be flat out rejected by a multitude of attorneys if you wait until the 11<sup>th</sup> hour (i.e., 3 months and 25 days) to find someone willing to handle it for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you fail to meet either of these deadlines, you’re totally out of luck. You’re only real hope at that point is to pray that the entire DMV “new” regulatory system is eventually ruled unconstitutional and everyone affected gets their license back. Any thoughts on how long something like that can take?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Article 78 stage is where the vast majority of these cases are holed up now, and decisions are just starting to trickle out. So while you are required to get your appeal and Article 78 petition filed tout suite, getting an actual decision can take a while (hurry up and wait!). All the more reason to start the ball rolling on your appeal and petition as soon as possible!! We’ll talk about what happens after that, if necessary, another day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Your time to appeal a DMV decision can be very short, often 30 or 60 days. If your license application has been denied by the DMV for any reason, call the knowledgeable attorneys at <b>Catalano & Carpenter LLP </b>today at <b>(845) 454-1919</b> for a free consultation, or visit us online at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435964427533370350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172812339544955988.post-21582137098476652192015-01-25T11:28:00.000-08:002015-01-25T11:28:34.466-08:00You Do Not Have to Perform Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) During a DWI Stop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaRpRD_yZst8Wff4-mWgbVdE4zAJ3VjqQl153JUHNP1kA4b9cuXJdkz0iWgIwVCIGLx1j82RjtYsngZJPPSFkjXJJv-yttEEq2puCB0gR27f4CD4cpjA8fO5tFwUMY99HdAG3YMJ8uOs/s1600/FST.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaRpRD_yZst8Wff4-mWgbVdE4zAJ3VjqQl153JUHNP1kA4b9cuXJdkz0iWgIwVCIGLx1j82RjtYsngZJPPSFkjXJJv-yttEEq2puCB0gR27f4CD4cpjA8fO5tFwUMY99HdAG3YMJ8uOs/s1600/FST.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It occurred to me that
over the course of the countless DWI cases I've defended, the issue
of whether or not to take the FSTs has rarely come up. Sure, clients
ask all the time, “should I have refused the chemical test?” But no one
really ever asks if they should have refused the FSTs. So I have to
presume that’s because most people don’t realize that they can. Well, I
am happy to inform everyone (at least in NYS) that you do not have to perform
the FSTs just because the officer asks you to! </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There is no law, rule,
regulation or whatever in NYS that requires a driver to comply with an
officer’s request to take FSTs (note, however, that refusing to take
the roadside breath test [which is not an FST] is a traffic
infraction). What does this mean? Just what it says! If you’re in the
unfortunate circumstance of finding yourself standing outside of your vehicle –
often in the dark of night and bitter cold, with cars whizzing past you while a
well-trained and armed civil servant tells you to “follow the tip of the pen”
or “stand heel to toe (without moving!) while I give you these instructions” or
to perform some other circus monkey-like feat, you have the right to say no –
or nothing at all, for that matter – and refuse to perform any of the tests.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Why would you want to do
this, you ask? I’m not saying you would (mostly because I’m not really
allowed to give legal advice in this sort of forum); I’m just saying it’s an
option. Every case is different, and you know yourself and your abilities
better than anyone else; so the decision is yours as to whether or not to
perform the tests. But, as with most issues in a DWI case, there are pros
and cons to whatever you decide to do…or not do.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The purpose of the FSTs is
to assist the arresting officer in establishing probable cause to determine
whether the driver was operating the vehicle in violation of VTL 1192 (impaired
or intoxicated) and make a subsequent arrest. The presumption is that if you
fail these tests of physical wonderment, you are clearly too intoxicated (or at
least too impaired) to drive a car. So refusing to take these tests may
make it more difficult for the arresting officer to determine (legally anyway)
whether you were impaired. Keep in mind, however, the officer is
making observations of you and taking notes from the time s/he decides to pull
you over; so if you’re all over the road for 4 miles and pour yourself out of
your car with an open container in your hand after you eventually pull yourself
over onto someone's front lawn taking out the treasured garden gnome and maybe
the corner of the front porch in the process, well, refusing to take the FSTs
may not help you out that much in the big picture.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">FSTs and the administration
thereof are subject to mistakes and errors in interpretation by the arresting
officer. And my personal opinion for the ability (or inability) of the
tests to actually determine intoxication aside, the fact is that the tasks you
are asked to perform are nothing like other physical activities in which you
may regularly engage (Sure! I routinely stand on one leg with my hands at my
side for prolonged periods of time every day at work! Who doesn't?).
Moreover, even if you do fail all three of the <i><u>standardized</u></i> tests
(HGN, Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand – the only “reliable” tests), it’s still
not a 100% certain that you are intoxicated (more like only 80% certain; what
is that, like a “B” in school? “B-“ maybe? No one’s making the honor roll
with low B’s, I can tell you that!). The tests are simply<i> indicators</i> of
intoxication. So perhaps by not performing these highly subjective tests
you may take away a weapon that the prosecutor can use against you to show you
were driving while intoxicated.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But of course, there is
always a price to pay for your decision! If you do refuse to take the FSTs, the
prosecutor can introduce your refusal as evidence against you at your DWI
trial, as an inference that you knew you were intoxicated so refused to take
the tests to try to protect yourself. So you may want to remember that
before you start thinking you’re going to outsmart the system if, god forbid,
you're ever facing the working end of a DWI arrest. But you may want to
keep this in mind, too: “the inference of intoxication arising from failure to
complete the tests successfully ‘<i>is far stronger than that arising from a
refusal to take the test.’</i>” <u>People v. Berg</u>, 92 NY2d 701, 706,
685 NYS2d 906 (1999) (quotation omitted) (emphasis added).</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Officers are not required
to advise you of your right to refuse the FSTs. So it’s incumbent on all
of us to remember on or own that we have that right, and to decide if we are
better or worse off if we exercise it. There are a lot of factors in a
DWI case, and any one of them can undermine your quick-thinking FST refusal and
perhaps any good that may have come from it. It's tough to do in the
pressure cooker of an imminent DWI arrest, but you must weigh your options
carefully before you decide to take or refuse any part of the DWI arrest
process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A DWI arrest can be a
confusing and complicated matter. If you
have been arrested for DWI or any other alcohol-related driving offense, call
the experienced DWI defense attorneys at <b>Catalano
& Carpenter LLP</b> today to schedule a free consultation at <b>(845) 454-1919</b>, or visit us online at <a href="http://www.catalanocarpenter.com/">www.CatalanoCarpenter.com</a>. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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