INSIGHTS

Home > Insights > DWI > New York Launches “STOP-DWI Month” and “Don’t Drive High” Campaigns

New York Launches “STOP-DWI Month” and “Don’t Drive High” Campaigns

by | Jan 13, 2023

New York State is notoriously tough on impaired drivers, and driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana can result in serious legal consequences. Significantly, New York is cracking down on impaired driving with two new public awareness campaigns that were launched during the holiday season. Governor Hochul recently proclaimed December 2022 as “STOP-DWI Month” in the 62 counties throughout the Empire State. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee also initiated a campaign to combat driving under the influence of cannabis — the “Don’t Drive High” public awareness campaign.                   

What are the New York Drive Sober Campaigns?

The two recently issued “drive sober” public awareness campaigns in New York are aimed at deterring drivers from operating their vehicles after drinking alcohol or using cannabis. Specifically, the STOP-DWI program was created to help counties coordinate efforts to combat alcohol and drug-related vehicle crashes and fatalities. During the drive sober initiative in December 2021, law enforcement issued 2,077 impaired driving tickets.                          

What Should You Do if You Are Pulled Over for a DUI in New York?

Being stopped for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or drugs can be stressful and overwhelming. You may be concerned about getting arrested or having your vehicle impounded. Importantly, there are a few things you should do to help protect your rights if you are pulled over for a DUI.

  • Pull over safely — If you see law enforcement signaling you to pull off to the side of the road, you should find a safe place to pull over.
  • Remain calm and be respectful — When the officer approaches you, remain calm and be polite. Be aware that any interaction you have with the police officer will be recorded.
  • Decline answering incriminating questions — You will be asked to provide your name, driver’s license, registration, and insurance information when pulled over for any traffic infraction, including a DWI. While you must give these details, you do not have to respond to any incriminating questions or admit to any guilt. For instance, if the officer asks you how many drinks you had or whether you had consumed cannabis, you do not have to answer. It’s best to remain silent to avoid any admissions being used against you in court. 
  • Know that you have the right to decline a breathalyzer — If the police officer asks you to submit to field sobriety tests or they request a breath sample, know that you have the right to decline. However, you should be aware that refusal to take a breathalyzer triggers an automatic license suspension.
  • Contact a DUI attorney — Once the police begin engaging in custodial interrogation, they must read your Miranda rights. While you can request an attorney at any stage of the DUI stop, it’s crucial to understand that you have the right to have an attorney present before or during any questioning.

The penalties for a DUI can be severe and it’s important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side to safeguard your rights. Whether you were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, a DUI attorney will know how to develop a comprehensive defense strategy for the best possible outcome in your situation.                                                                      

Contact an Experienced New York Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana can be life-changing — but a charge doesn’t always have to mean a conviction. The criminal defense attorneys at D’Emilia Law provide reliable representation and aggressive advocacy to those who have been arrested for DWIs, DUIs, and DWAIs and work to obtain favorable results in their cases. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 1-888-DEMILIA.

DWI
How Can an Expert Witness Help in My DWI Case? cover

How Can an Expert Witness Help in My DWI Case?

Being convicted of a DWI is a serious matter that can come with significant repercussions — and it’s crucial to mount a solid defense. If your DWI case will be going to trial, your criminal defense attorney might want to bring in an expert witness as part of your...
Can Medications and Medical Conditions Affect Breathalyzer Results? cover

Can Medications and Medical Conditions Affect Breathalyzer Results?

Breathalyzers are commonly used by the police when they pull someone over on suspicion they are driving while intoxicated. While these devices measure blood alcohol content (BAC) to determine whether the driver is impaired, there are a number of reasons why they may...
What’s the Difference Between Drug Possession, Sale, and Intent to Sell a Controlled Substance in New York? cover

What’s the Difference Between Drug Possession, Sale, and Intent to Sell a Controlled Substance in New York?

Drug selling and possession offenses are two categories of narcotics crimes that are prosecuted aggressively in New York. While drug possession involves holding a controlled substance for personal use, the criminal sale of a controlled substance refers to selling,...
When Are Breathalyzer Results Inadmissible in New York? cover

When Are Breathalyzer Results Inadmissible in New York?

A breathalyzer is a tool regularly used by law enforcement in New York DWI cases to determine whether a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit. However, there are certain protocols that must be followed and legal requirements that must be...
What is Double Jeopardy and How Does it Work in a Criminal Case? cover

What is Double Jeopardy and How Does it Work in a Criminal Case?

Double jeopardy protects criminal defendants from being tried more than once for the same offense. It is a right that is afforded to the accused under both the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and New York Criminal Procedure Law. Specifically, it provides...
What is the Right to a Speedy Trial? cover

What is the Right to a Speedy Trial?

The right to a speedy trial is a fundamental right under both the U.S. Constitution and New York State law. It guarantees that an individual charged with a crime must be prosecuted in a timely manner — they cannot be incarcerated indefinitely without having their case...
Violating Probation

What are the Consequences of Violating Probation in New York?

Probation is a common alternative to jail time for certain criminal offenses in New York. While probation can allow someone who is convicted of a crime to remain in their community, specific terms and conditions must be followed. Failure to do so can result in a...
traffic violation

When Can a Traffic Violation Lead to Criminal Charges in New York?

Most traffic violations in New York are charged as infractions which do not come with any jail time — the penalties that are typically imposed for these offenses are a fine and points on your license. However, certain violations committed behind the wheel are charged...
Drug Crime

Understanding Your Rights if You’ve Been Charged with a Drug Crime

Whether the offense involves possession, distribution, or trafficking a controlled substance, being charged with a drug crime can be stressful and overwhelming. If convicted, you could face substantial jail time, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record that...
Exculpatory Evidence

What is Exculpatory Evidence in a New York Criminal Defense Case?

There are many different kinds of evidence that can be used in a criminal case. One of the most important types of evidence is referred to as “exculpatory evidence.” This is any type of evidence that favors the defendant and can help prove they are not guilty of the...