Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs Lawyer in Carmel

Defending Clients Facing DWAI Charges in Putnam County

In New York, a driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge means that the driver was not legally intoxicated but was still impaired while driving. There are three forms of legal impairment, and they are specific to the substance impairing the driver.

What are the Three Forms of Legal Impairment? 

The three forms of legal impairment include: driving while ability impaired (DWAI), driving while impaired by drugs (DWAI-Drugs), or driving while impaired by drugs & alcohol (DWAI-A/D).

Receive your free consultation from our experienced DWAI attorney in Carmel by calling (845) 584-7033 or contacting us online today! 

Which Drugs are Prohibited Under New York Law? 

A wide variety of drugs and controlled substances are prohibited under New York law. These include controlled substances and drugs prescribed by a doctor if they impair the driver’s ability.

The law includes an extensive listing of drugs, such as:

• Opiates
• Depressants
• Stimulants
• Hallucinogens that includes both street drugs and prescription medications

Under New York law, the driver must be impaired by drugs to be charged with this offense. As with DWI/DUI charges involving alcohol, the driver does not need to be driving but must be in control of the vehicle. This means that being in the car with the engine running can result in a charge, even if you haven’t driven.

When there is suspicion of impairment, the driver must submit to drug testing, such as urine, blood, or saliva. The Carmel DWAI attorney at The Law Office of Keith R. Murphy provides legal representation for clients charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs in and around the Putnam County area.

What are the Penalties for Driving While Ability Impaired in New York? 

The penalties for Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs (DWAI) are similar to penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. The number of prior offenses also influences the severity of the consequences for a conviction.

In addition, if an individual is convicted of driving under the influence of drugs and arrested for DWI/DUI in the future, the subsequent arrest would be considered a second offense. Any charge is serious, so don’t wait to contact a Carmel attorney for a defense against driving while impaired in New York.

The consequences for a first DWAI conviction may include:

• $500-$1,000 in fines
• Up to 1 year in jail
• Driver's license revocation for at least 6 months

The consequences for a second DWAI conviction may include:

• $1,000-$5,000 in fines
• Up to 4 years in prison
• Driver's license revocation for at least 1 year

The consequences for a third DWAI conviction may include:

• $2,000-$10,000 in fines
• Up to 7 years in prison
• Driver's license revocation for at least 1 year

Call an Experienced DWAI Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has been charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol or drugs, you'll want to contact the skilled team at The Law Office of Keith R. Murphy. We have successfully represented many New York drivers with impaired driving charges. Give our Carmel DWAI lawyers a call for a consultation. 

Contact The Law Office of Keith R. Murphy today to schedule a FREE consultation!