New York DWI Lawyers

How Will a DWI Criminal Record Affect You?

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony DWI in New York, you will have a criminal record, possibly for the rest of your life. An experienced New York DWI attorney may be able to help you avoid this serious consequence by fighting your drunk driving charges.

At Anelli Xavier, PC, Tom Anelli, Brent Xavier and the other DWI defense lawyers at our firm defend clients throughout New York State against DWI charges. No matter where you are charged in New York State, we are confident our firm will give you the best possible outcome due to our extensive training and sole focus on DWI Defense. To learn what we can do to help you avoid a criminal record, contact us today.

Understanding the Consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction

There are several different agencies that compile criminal records, including the state police, the FBI and private companies. Depending on your personal circumstances, the consequences of a DWI criminal record may include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Employment: If you apply for a job, chances are that you will be asked whether you have ever been convicted of a crime. Some employers may choose not to hire people with DWI convictions on their records, and if you need a professional license or commercial driver's license to do your job, you may not be able to work in your chosen field.
• Education: If you are convicted of driving while ability impaired by drugs ( DWAI/Drugs) or another drug-related offense, you may be ineligible for federal student financial aid, including college grants, student loans and work-study programs.
• Voting rights: If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose your right to vote in New York while you are in jail or on parole. In Kentucky and Virginia, convicted felons — including those convicted in other states — are permanently barred from voting.
• Gun rights: Under the federal Brady Act, if you are convicted of a felony, you will permanently lose your right to own or possess firearms.

Many people believe that minors convicted of DWI will automatically have their records sealed when they become adults. In fact, if you are 16 (the minimum age for a learner's permit) or older, DWI is an adult criminal charge that will remain on your record if you are convicted.

Our firm handles approximately 1,000 New York DWI cases every year. We know what it takes to avoid a DWI criminal record. Contact us to talk to an experienced attorney.