It’s always a good idea to hire a criminal law attorney when you are arrested for violating DWI laws. An attorney from Middletown’s MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C., is here to describe the situations that would lead you to a DWI lawyer’s office as soon as possible. Serving the area for over 130 years, the legal team has expertise in a wide array of practice areas, including family law, personal injury, and DWI law.

Here are three instances in which you should hire a DWI lawyer.

• You Are Younger Than 21 Years Old: New York State enforces a Zero Tolerance Law against drivers under the age of 21 with a 0.02 to 0.07 blood alcohol level. Conviction means the driver’s license is suspended for six months, and there is a $125 civil penalty plus a $100 fee to terminate the suspension. A second conviction results in a license revocation for a year or until the driver becomes 21, plus a $125 civil penalty and $100 license reapplication fee.
• You Have A Commercial Driver’s License: To convict commercial motor vehicle drivers of DWI law violations, the state must prove the driver has only a 0.04 BAC or other evidence of intoxication instead of the standard threshold of 0.08 BAC. Conviction means a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to a year in jail, and license revocation of six months or more.
• Your Blood Alcohol Level Is 0.18 Or Higher: A BAC at or above 0.18 is charged as aggravated driving while intoxicated. The penalty is $1,000 to $2,500 in fines, up to a year in jail, and a license revocation for a year or more.

Criminal law attorneys at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C., have represented Hudson Valley drivers of all ages facing DWI charges. The firm’s lawyers know how important it is to retain your driving privileges. They give each client personal service, experienced counsel, and vigorous advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Don’t face DWI charges without a criminal law attorney on your side. MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C., in Middletown, NY, is ready to help you. For a consultation appointment, call (845) 343-3000 or visit the firm’s website for more information. You can also find the firm on Facebook and Google +.