DWI/DUI
Understanding New York’s Zero Tolerance Law
The BAC for adults is 0.08%. If you’re a minor in New York and you get behind the wheel of a car, you might be surprised to learn that your legal limit is much lower at 0.02%. The reason is the New York Zero Tolerance Law. Since it’s illegal for people under the age…
Read MoreCan You Get a DWI in a Parked Car in NYC?
Everyone’s talking about a slow, cautious reopening these days, even here in NYC. It’s not happening yet, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility that some New Yorkers will be congregating in bars again…even if they’ll be doing it six feet apart. So this means it’s a good time to go over some of…
Read MoreAre DWI Tests Reliable?
Police station “Breathalyzer” test results are often central pieces of evidence in DWI cases. Yet mounting evidence suggests they are not reliable. New York has already ruled that portable breathalyzer test results aren’t admissible in court, but prosecutors continue to use the results of in-station testing. This is problematic, since implied consent laws make it…
Read MoreIs There a New NY Blood Alcohol Limit on the Horizon?
A new bill recently introduced in the New York State Assembly would lower the legal blood alcohol limit from .08 to .05. It would also lower the rate for aggravated driving while intoxicated. This change is, in part, in response to National Transportation Safety Board recommendations. The NTSB recently urged all 50 states to lower…
Read MoreWhat are the most common holiday crimes?
While criminal activity is not restricted to the holidays, certain crimes appear to become more frequent once December rolls around. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year has long been recognized as a time when reported crimes go up, supposedly due to increased opportunity and financial desperation. To help keep you safe this holiday season,…
Read MoreTraffic crimes in New York City
An estimated 4,000 New Yorkers suffer serious injury in vehicle-related accidents every year, and over 250 people die as a result of these collisions. These statistics, along with the fact that being hit by a car is the leading cause of fatal injuries for children under 14, has driven the formation of the Vision Zero Action…
Read MoreYour rights in New York DUI cases
When a New York law enforcement officer stops you for suspected DUI, and you’ve never been in trouble before, it’s normal to be intimidated or worried. After all, New York has some of the toughest laws in the country when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is important to…
Read MoreDistracted driving
We rely on our cell phones for several reasons: to communicate with friends and family, go shopping, get directions and even snap a selfie for posterity. It has gotten to the point where we reach for the phone automatically whenever it rings, or a text message alert comes through, even when the safety of doing…
Read MoreDon’t make decisions too quickly in the aftermath of a DUI arrest
When you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence or any other kind of criminal charges in New York, it can be tempting to want to cooperate with law enforcement in the hopes of a quick resolution to your dilemma. The arresting officers speaking with you immediately after your arrest are counting on your vulnerability.…
Read MoreUnderage drinking
Underage drinking is an offense that can have serious repercussions on a young person’s future, especially when motor vehicles are involved. Although less than 10% of all licensed drivers in New York State are under 21, the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility states that they still account for 14% of all drunk driving fatalities. For…
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