New York DWI Lawyer Blog
In an update to our post on November 1, 2008, former New York Assemblyman Ryan Karben pled guilty last week to a New York driving while ability impaired charge, and driving across hazard markings, in the South Nyack Justice Court. By pleading guilty to the reduced charge of Driving While Ability Impaired, instead of a driving while intoxicated charge, Mr. Karben was able to avoid a criminal record, as a New York DWI is a misdemeanor, whereas a DWAI is only a violation.
The charges stemmed from a January 30, 2008 arrest in which Mr. Karben smashed his Acura into a utility pole, failed Field Sobriety tests, and refused to take a chemical test. Interestingly, in addition to paying the fines of of approximately $500.00, having his license suspended for 90 days, being required to attend a victim impact panel and to take a drinking driver course (which will last seven weeks and cost him an additional three hundred dollars), Mr. Karben also was sentenced to two days in jail, which is virtually unheard of in a DWAI case.
If you have been charged with a New York DWI, New York DWAI or Driving While Ability Impaired By Drugs, contact The Law Office Of Mark A. Siesel online or at (914) 428-7386 for a free consultation with an experienced, aggressive advocate who will explain your legal rights and options and provide the best possible defense to the charges.