DWI

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is the serious criminal act of operating a moving vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The operator of the vehicle is held accountable regardless if the consumed substance is illegal, or if it is lawful medication.

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a person over the age of 21 is 0.08%. The United States has a national zero tolerance policy which prohibits any driver under the age of 21 to have a BAC higher than 0.01%. Any driver found exceeding the legal BAC limit will be charged with a DUI.

Law enforcement has the right to stop the operator of any moving vehicle if driving under the influence is suspected. Typical signs of intoxication include slurred speech, scent of alcohol on the driver’s breath, open containers, or bloodshot eyes. Law enforcement has the right to ask the driver to perform a variety of tests, such as walking in a straight line or taking a blood, breath or urine test.

DWI convictions usually result in harsh legal consequences. If convicted with driving under the influence, you may face license suspension or revocation, heavy fines, jail time, community service, alcohol and drug workshops, or probation.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in the Long Island area, it is important that you speak with an experienced DWI attorney. A skilled DWI attorney can advise you of your options and protect your legal rights.

The Law Offices of Palermo, Palermo & Tuohy have successfully defended a large number of DWI cases in the Long Island court system. At the Law Offices of Palermo, Palermo & Tuohy we provide professional legal counsel and aggressively protect your rights.