New York lawmakers took a tough stance on DWI charges right at the end of the 2013 legislative session. According to WHEC.com, the New York State Senate unanimously passed a bill that would require drivers convicted of DWI charges to pay for the costs of ambulances used to give them medical attention at the scene of DWI-related accidents. The proposed legislation would require those convicted of DWI laws to present proof of payment of ambulance bills before getting their driver’s licenses back. In contrast, under current DWI laws, a driver convicted of DWI charges may lose his or her license for up to six months on the first offense.
The proposed legislation has likely gained popularity among lawmakers for several reasons. First, the bill is seen largely as a crackdown on drivers convicted of DWI charges, and would potentially be an additional deterrent to drinking and driving. Secondly, lawmakers believe that drunk drivers need to be responsible for their actions, and that they should therefore be required to pay for the measures that they have incurred as a result of their own behavior. Lastly, 13Wham.com reports that ambulances are not receiving timely payments from DWI offenders who have required their services, which is a drain on ambulance resources. So far, the legislation has been drafted to include payment of the DWI offender’s ambulance bill.
The proposed legislation was not sent to the Assembly in time for a vote before the end of the legislative session, but it will be re-introduced at the next legislative session, first in the Senate again and then to the Assembly.
Under the current New York DWI law, heavy fines may be assessed against drivers charged and convicted of violating DWI laws. The attorneys at Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are familiar with the fines and penalties assessed against New York drivers, and have successfully defended against them. In the case of People v. S.T., an Nave DWI Defense Attorneys client was facing two misdemeanor DWI charges. The client had a previous DWI record, including convictions on at least five alcohol related arrests for DWI. He had also been convicted of at least one felony DWI charge. The client was facing serious fines, the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and additional criminal convictions on his record. Fortunately, Nave DWI Defense Attorneys attorneys were able to make a deal with the ADA because there were issues with the stop of the client’s vehicle, and because Nave DWI Defense Attorneys attorneys pushed for hearings. The client was able to plead to a DWAI, which is not a criminal offense, and was able to avoid paying increased fines.
If you have been charged with violating DWI laws, call the experienced attorneys at Nave DWI Defense Attorneys for a confidential consultation. The attorneys at Nave DWI Defense Attorneys have years of DWI experience and can defend you in court, and help you understand the charges against you and the consequences. Call the offices of Nave DWI Defense Attorneys today at 1-866-792-7800.
The exclusive purpose of this article is educational and it is not intended as either legal advice or a general solution to any specific legal problem. Corporate offices for Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are located at 432 N. Franklin Street, Suite 80, Syracuse, NY 13204; Telephone No.: 1-866-792-7800. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.
