Upstate New York Law Office Advocates for You

Former Police Officer Understands Lookback Law Provisions

In September 2012, New York became one of the toughest states in the country for those convicted of an alcohol-related driving offense when the NYS DMV extended the lookback period for prior convictions to 25 years.

If you have been convicted of an alcohol related offense in New York at any point within the 25 years immediately preceding your most recent arrest, you will not be considered a first offender for DMV purposes, and likely need the advice of a New York attorney like Gerard V. Amedio, who is familiar with all aspects of the new DMV regulations and will provide a strong defense for you.

What the Lookback Regulations Mean

So what happens if you do have a prior DWI within the past 25 years and you're facing a new conviction? Here's the breakdown:

• First offense within 25 years – Same as before: any minimum license revocation period may be shortened by completion of the Drinking Driver Program (DDP) and application to reinstate your full driving privileges.
• Second offense within 25 years – requires completion of the full minimum license revocation period with or without a conditional license. Upon completion of the minimum mandatory revocation period, you may be eligible to re-apply for full driving privileges.
• Third or fourth offense within 25 years – you will be required to serve the full minimum revocation period without a conditional license. Upon completion of the minimum revocation period, you will be subject to an additional l5 year period of revocation, without a conditional license or other driving privileges in most instances. Once you have satisfied all revocation periods, you may be eligible to re-apply for driving privileges, but only conditional privileges for five more years. You will also be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in any vehicle you own or operate during that subsequent five-year period, at your own expense.
• Five or more offenses within 25 years – lifetime revocation.

If you've been arrested for more than one alcohol-related driving offense in New York in the last 25 years and are in danger of losing your driving privileges, it is critical that you work with an experienced attorney like Gerard V. Amedio, P.C., a former police officer who knows the law and will protect your rights. Call (518) 583-4123 or contact us online to set up your free initial consultation today.