Experienced Attorney Fighting Against DWI & DWAI Charges
Drunk driving charges happen for all kinds of reasons. People underestimate how many drinks they’ve had, field sobriety tests yield false positives, simple misunderstandings occur — the list goes on. But regardless of why you’ve been charged with a DWI or DWAI, I’m on your side and ready to defend you in or out of the courtroom.
ATTORNEY THOMAS MELANSON, AT YOUR SERVICE
MY NAME IS TOM MELANSON, AND I’M ON A MISSION TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF THOSE WHO’VE BEEN ACCUSED OF DRUNK DRIVING.
For more than 20 years, I’ve worked closely with the criminally accused here in southeast New York. Throughout that time, I’ve successfully defended my clients against all kinds of drunk driving charges, including first time DWI/DWAI, repeat DWI/DWAI offenses, extreme DWI, aggravated DWI, and vehicular homicide.
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Consequences of a DWI Conviction
LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES
If you’re convicted of DWI, your driving privileges could be severely reduced or revoked altogether — leaving you unable to drive to work, school, or even the grocery store. In some cases, you may be able to continue driving if you install an ignition interlock device.
CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR CAREER
As with any criminal offense, having a DWI conviction on your permanent record can affect more than just your home life. Employers can legally refuse to hire you based on a DWI or DWAI conviction alone.
HEFTY FINES
Although DWAI charges are penalized less severely than DWI charges, both offenses can result in fairly steep fines. How much you pay depends on your level of intoxication, your criminal history, and the defense you and your attorney present.
JAIL TIME AND/OR PROBATION
On the more serious end of the penalty spectrum for DWI and DWAI: jail time. The best way to avoid this punishment is to effectively demonstrate that you aren’t a serious danger to yourself or others on the road.
INCREASED INSURANCE PREMIUMS
As if facing New York-priced fines isn’t enough, a DWI conviction can also lead to other costly penalties, like raised insurance premiums on your vehicle. How much your insurance rates change is determined at your insurance provider’s discretion.
MANDATORY COUNSELING
Often, one of the best ways to show you’ve learned from your mistake (and thereby sidestep more serious penalties) is to attend alcohol classes or counseling. This helps New York courts trust that you won’t become a repeat offender for drunk driving.
RELENTLESS DEFENSE AGAINST DWI & DWAI CHARGES
DWI and DWAI are two offenses taken very seriously in the state of New York. However, it is my belief as a long-standing criminal defense attorney that one mistake or misunderstanding shouldn’t determine the rest of your life. That’s why I always give my clients the benefit of the doubt, as well as my unwavering and relentless support. To find out how I can help with your DWI or DWAI defense, please give me a call or fill out the contact form below.