Driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is unlawful in all 50 states, but the specific DUI laws and regulations vary from state to state. These laws are determined by the state, meaning they may differ depending on the state where you were charged. Therefore, if you are a New York driver charged with a DUI in another state, you will face the consequences according to the state laws in which you were arrested. However, many individuals who are charged with out-of-state DUIs wonder whether they will face additional penalties in their home state. Please continue reading to learn what will happen if you get a DUI in another state and how a seasoned Rockland County DUI Attorney can work to defend your case.
Will I face penalties in New York for an out-of-state DUI?
When an individual makes the mistake of getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, they will be arrested for drunk driving regardless of the state where the offense occurred. DUI is a serious offense that will negatively impact your life. You may be subject to harsh penalties such as hefty fines, license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, and even possible jail time. As mentioned above, each state has its laws and regulations, which may differ from those of your home state.
Nevertheless, if you are charged with a DUI in another state, it will essentially be treated as if you were convicted in your home state. This is because New York is among the 45 states that participate in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC). Essentially, member states agree to share information about driving-related offenses and convictions with one another. They work in unison, treating an alcohol-related driving offense in participating states as if it had occurred in the driver’s home state. That being said, a driving offense will be reported to your home state, meaning this offense will likely impact your driving privileges in your home state.
How will an out-of-state DUI affect my driver’s license?
If you were charged with a DUI offense in another state, you will be subject to the consequences as per that particular state’s DUI laws and regulations. However, the offense will be reported to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. You will then receive notice that your New York driver’s license has been suspended or revoked. For an alcohol-related driving offense, your driver’s license will be revoked for at least 90 days. However, revoking your driver’s license may extend to one year if you were under the legal drinking age of 21 at the time of the arrest.
As you can see, it’s imperative to take an out-of-state DUI seriously, as you will likely be subject to additional penalties in your home state. If you’ve been charged with a DUI in another state, please don’t hesitate to contact a trusted Rockland County DUI attorney, who can help you explore all possible defenses to shield you from your charges. At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we are prepared to defend your rights and interests to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.