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Queens Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Lawyers

March 21, 2024 Uncategorized

In Queens and New York, in general, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can result in a person being arrested if it is determined that their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. Driving under the influence of drugs is a huge problem that can result in an arrest even if the individual’s driving was not actually impaired. There are a number of consequences a person can face if they find themselves pulled over and subsequently arrested in Queens.

What is Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Queens, New York?

In Queens and New York as a whole, driving under the influence of drugs is illegal as it can hinder a person’s ability to drive safely, which puts everyone else on the road at risk. If a person is pulled over by a police officer for any reason, even if it’s something as simple as a broken taillight, and the officer suspects they are intoxicated, there are harsh penalties the individual can face. A police officer can charge a person with a DUI or DWI after administering a breath test (breathalyzer) if they fall under any of these categories:

• The individual is 21 or older and has a BAC of 0.08 or higher
• The person is a commercial driver and has a BAC of 0.04 or higher
• The individual is under the age of 21 and has a BAC of 0.02 or higher

Whether the individual has is under the influence of an illegal drug such as cocaine or something legally prescribed, they can still be arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

Penalties and Sentences for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Queens, New York

A person who is convicted or the crime of driving under the influence of drugs can face stiff penalties, which include anything from seven years in prison and a fine of $125. The exact penalties and sentence a person receives depend on a number of factors, such as level of impairment, past criminal history and others. If someone has a prior DUI or DWI conviction on their record, they can be charged with a felony and receive four years of prison time as well as a maximum fine of $5,000. Additionally, the individual can expect to have their driver’s license temporarily suspended or even permanently revoked.

Additionally, a person who is convicted of this crime can face a number of other consequences. For example, they might be rejected for certain jobs and even prevented from living in certain areas. A conviction can remain with the individual for their lifetime.

Possible Defenses to Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

There are a few defenses that a defense attorney can use in a case of driving under the influence of drugs. One of the most common is to argue that the defendant was not actually driving at the time of the arrest. If the individual was merely sitting in their vehicle, the defense can argue that they did not commit the crime of which they have been charged.

Another popular defense is to argue that the defendant was not under the influence of drugs but that they were suffering from an illness. It’s even possible to argue that the individual was simply distracted or fatigued while driving, but not under the influence.

Alternatives to Prison Sentences

Although there are always serious penalties for driving under the influence of drugs, it is possible to receive an alternative to a prison sentence. One option is for the defense attorney to request of the judge that the defendant be ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation program. The individual may also be sentenced to community service if it is their first offense. The defense attorney may even have witnesses testify and present evidence to prove the person’s character to strengthen the case against them.

These charges are very serious in Queens and New York as a whole and can be challenging to defend against, which means it’s absolutely essential for anyone arrested for driving under the influence of drugs to retain an experienced attorney.

Don’t deal with Queens Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Lawyers alone. Speak to the Spodek Law Group today.

Being stopped and arrested for driving under the influence of drugs was only the beginning. The fact that you have been charged means that prosecutors mean to see you fined, imprisoned, and stripped of your license. Finding yourself in such a situation can be confusing and frightening; it can fill you with great uncertainty and fear. That is what the police and prosecutorial system is designed to do. The authorities want you to bend to their will. The entire process of arrest, booking, interviewing, and charging is designed to intimidate and coerce people into doing what they are told—even if it is against their best interests.

If prosecutors believe they have in custody a person they think committed a crime, then they will take no interest in probing further and determining whether the accused actually did it. That is why you must have a legal mind of equal talent, vigor, and energy on your side.

Although you may feel frightened, you don’t have time to be intimidated and indecisive. You must make decision of great importance—decisions that will decide your fate and will determine whether you are able to beat the charge against you. It is best to retain a lawyer who possesses the knowledge, skill, ability, and experience to get you a result that is in your favor.

Getting convicted for driving under the influence of drugs is very serious. New York State has tough sentencing guidelines for those who have been convicted of using drugs while driving. You may have to spend time in prison and you will most certainly lose your license and be forced to pay a fine. But the reverberations of such a charge do not stop with the punishment exercised by the law. A conviction will also harm your professional, social, and family life.

Many companies have a zero tolerance policy for these kinds of crimes. Even if you are able to keep the arrest and charge under wraps, if you are convicted of driving under the influence it becomes a matter of public record, and it will get back to your employer who is as likely as not to fire you. And finding a new job will be hard after that has been put on your record.
A conviction will also diminish your standing in the community. Friends, neighbors, associates you’ve known for years will look at you in a different light; you will essential lose the trust and social standing that you have spent years building up. Then there is the impact on your immediate family. A conviction for driving under the influence can lead to real financial strain and other pressures.

You and the people who care for you and love you do not deserve such mistreatment. It is incumbent upon you to fight the charges and clear your name. Hiring the right lawyer can help you in this endeavor. You should retain counsel that is specialized in this area of criminal law. They are the only ones who will know what to look for, will understand how to challenge and discredit the case that is made against you.

Prosecutors may talk a big game, but it doesn’t follow that they actually have evidence that proves you did what you are accused of doing. And that is what must be done. You are innocent until proven guilty. The lawyer you hire will look at the same evidence and interpret it in a different light. They will also gather other facts and testimony that raises doubt on the case that being made against you. Working with the right criminal attorney will help put the matter behind you.

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Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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