The Science of DWI in Suffolk County
November 24, 2024
By Suffolk County DWI Lawyers
The science of DWI driving while intoxicated in Suffolk County, NY is based on how alcohol affects the central nervous system, impairing a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely:
Impaired judgment
Alcohol slows the central nervous system, which can impair judgment, coordination, sight, reaction time, and concentration.
Blood alcohol content (BAC)
A driver's BAC is the percentage of alcohol per volume of blood. In Suffolk County New York, a driver is considered impaired if their BAC is over 0.05% and intoxicated if their BAC is 0.08% or higher.
Factors that affect impairment
The level of impairment depends on several factors, including:
The amount of alcohol consumed
The length of time spent drinking
Body weight
Gender
Penalties for DWI in New York include: loss of driving privileges, fines, and possible jail time.
Drivers suspected of impaired driving may be asked to submit to a blood, breath, urine, or saliva test. Refusing to submit to a chemical test will result in automatic license suspension.
Leandra's Law, which became effective in 2009, sets some of the toughest DWI provisions in the country. For example, first-time offenders who have a child under 16 in the vehicle may be charged with a class E felony. You should speak with an experienced DWI lawyer in Suffolk County for advice.