Best DUI Lawyers in Syracuse, NY

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Syracuse, New York?

  The Syracuse Police Department’s contact number is (315) 442-5200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Syracuse, New York?

  Reports can be requested from the Onondaga Sheriff Headquarters’ Records Unit at 407 South State Street, Syracuse, NY. The office phone number is (315) 435-3010.

• What are the safety steps you can take to prevent getting a DUI violation in Syracuse?

  Some steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and your friends and prevent a possible DUI charge in Syracuse include the following: -Assign a designated driver prior to drinking -Call a taxi or have a sober friend drive you home if you have alcohol in your system -Prevent impaired friends from driving and take away their keys if necessary -Serve non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers if you’re the party host

• What are the possible results that a lawyer can achieve in helping a driver in Syracuse who has a DUI charge?

  Lawyers can help drivers in Syracuse with a DUI charge get the following results: -Conditional discharge, which can result in a dismissal and a clean record if the offender follows certain requirements and does not get involved in trouble for a year -Jury acquittal -Plea negotiations, in which a DWI may become a DWAI and a DWAI may become a mere traffic ticket -Drinking Driver Program, a DMV course that helps drivers keep their license -Dismissal

• What is the minimum duration of license revocation or suspension for DUI-convicted offenders in Syracuse?

  The minimum license suspension durations for DUI-convicted Syracuse offenders are the following: -DWI – six months -Aggravated DWI with at least 0.18 BAC and repeat offense within 10 years – one year -DWAI – 90 days; -Repeat A-DWI – one and a half years -Repeat DWAI within five years and DWAI with drugs – six months -Under 21 years old/zero tolerance with a 0.02 to 0.07 BAC – six months -Refusal to undergo a chemical test – one year -Second refusal within five years – one and a half years

• What are the three types of drunk driving charges in Syracuse?

  The three main types of drunk driving charges in Syracuse are refusal to undergo chemical testing, driving while intoxicated, and driving while ability impaired. The first one is issued when the driver refuses a sample of their blood, urine, or breath upon the request of law enforcement. The second has the gravest consequences, while the third is a lesser offense for drivers who are not intoxicated legally but are impaired due to alcohol consumption.

• What is the difference between a DWI (DUI) and a DWAI charge in Syracuse?

  The main difference between a DWI/DUI conviction in Syracuse and a DWAI or Driving While Ability Impaired offense is that the former involves a driver having a BAC level of at least 0.08%, while the latter has a BAC level below 0.08%. A DWI conviction carries penalties including loss of driver’s license, fines, mandatory alcohol and drug education, and prison. A DWAI conviction has less severe penalties and may not involve jail time.

• What does a DUI charge involve?

  DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.

• What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?

  The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).

• How long does a DUI stay on your record?

  In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.

• How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

  The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.

• How do I choose a DUI attorney?

  Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:

  • Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
  • Ask for referrals from family and friends
  • Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
  • Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
  • Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
  • Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable

• What happens when you get a DUI?

  Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.

  Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.

• Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?

  While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.

• How much does a DUI cost?

  DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.

• When does a DUI become a felony?

  Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:

  • It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
  • The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
  • The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.

• How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?

  Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.