Prior to November 1, 2006, a prior out-of-state conviction for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs was deemed to be a prior conviction of DWAI. Thus, it could not be used as a predicate for a felony DWI charge in New York.
Effective November 1, 2006, a prior out-of-state conviction for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is deemed to be a prior conviction of the analogous section of VTL ยง 1192 (if such conduct would have constituted misdemeanor or felony DWI, Aggravated DWI, DWAI Drugs or DWAI Combined Influence if it had occurred in New York). The significance of this change is that an out-of-state conviction can now potentially be used as a predicate for a felony DUI charge in New York.
In addition, if you have a New York driver’s license and are convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in another State (and New York finds out about it), your driver’s license will be revoked, and your registration may be revoked, for at least:
Virtually all States now report alcohol and drug-related driving convictions back to the driver’s home State. Thus, if you drive in New York on an out-of-state driver’s license and you are charged with DUI, a conviction of DUI or DWAI will almost certainly be reported back to your home State’s Department of Motor Vehicles. In this regard, not only will New York penalize you, but your home State will likely penalize you as if you had received the charge there. Since many States punish DUI offenders at least as severely as New York does, you may wish to contest the charge in New York in an attempt to avoid such consequences.
Regardless, it is critical that out-of-state licensees consult with an experienced DUI attorney in order to discuss and fully understand their options.Contact the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro,LLC call 917-519-8417 to protect your rights!
