Home » Law Enforcement Articles » New York DWIs Up Over the Fourth of July On Long Island
New York DWIs Up Over the Fourth of July On Long Island
DWI arrests rose by double digits in Suffolk County.
August 04, 2011 /Law Enforcement PR News/ -- Suffolk County, New York, which is home to the eastern part of Long Island, experienced a double-digit increase of drunk driving arrests over the Fourth of July this year. Suffolk County law enforcement officials reported that between Friday afternoon and Monday morning of the holiday weekend, they arrested and charged 69 people with driving while intoxicated (DWI). In addition, two boat operators were charged with boating while intoxicated (BWI). During a similar time period last year, police arrested 53 people for DWI and had no BWI arrests.
Holidays and DWIs
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, data collected over the last 25 years indicates that almost half of all fatal traffic accidents occurring during the Fourth of July holiday include an element of alcohol. This equates to approximately 400 people who are killed in motor vehicle crashes, on average, across the U.S. each year during this holiday weekend. While the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of these drivers vary, 40 percent of those arrested for DWI have a BAC above the legal limit of .08 for New York.
Because of statistics such as these, many law enforcement agencies step up DWI patrols during holiday weekends, and not just over the 4th of July. St. Patrick's Day, Memorial and Labor Day weekends and the winter holiday season can all bring additional DWI arrests across the country.
New York Penalties
In addition to New York's implied consent law, which punishes those stopped for DWI who refuse to submit to chemical testing, there are other strict penalties for drunk driving. For first offenders charged with DWI who are over 21, and who have a BAC of .08 or higher, there is a minimum six-month driver's license revocation, a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail. This initial charge is a misdemeanor, but a second offense within five years is a felony DWI, which carries more severe consequences. If someone was injured or killed in a drunk driving car accident, the charges and penalties become even more severe and complex for even a first-time DWI offender.
Fighting DWI Charges
Both a DWI and BWI conviction can have a serious impact on a person's criminal record. A record of DWI convictions can cause financial, employment or other devastating consequences in a person's life. If you were arrested on a drunk driving charge, contact an experienced DWI defense attorney right away. A lawyer who understands the repercussions of a DWI conviction may be able to help you negotiate a lesser charge or reduce some of the penalties associated with drunk driving charges.
Article provided by Wang Law Offices
Visit us at www.wanglawoffices.com
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com |
|
|
Press Release Contact Information:
Findlaw PR
|
|
|
|
|
| LAW ENFORCEMENT ARCHIVE SEARCH |
|
|
| |
| SUBMIT LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWS |
|
|
| |
|
|
Advertise With Us |
About Us |
Contact Us