Rockland County DWI: Understanding the 25-Year DMV Lookback Rule
Do you have multiple prior DWI convictions? If so, a new alcohol-related driving charge can have serious and long-term consequences, especially on your driver’s license.
Any Rockland County traffic lawyer must have heard about the most common misconception among people: “My last DWI was more than 10 years ago, so I’m in the clear.” Unfortunately, you are wrong, as that is not how New York handles licensing consequences.
In New York, a past DWI usually counts only if it happened within the last 10 years. If your last DWI was more than 10 years ago, a new DWI or aggravated DWI is usually charged as a misdemeanor, not a felony.
But the New York State DMV operates under a separate set of rules.
The DMV looks back 25 years for alcohol related driving convictions. This includes DWI, aggravated DWI, and DWAI. If you have three alcohol related convictions within 25 years, the DMV will label you as a multiple offender.
What does that mean?
If you are convicted of a third-party-related offense within 25 years, your license will be revoked. You will not qualify for a conditional license or hardship privileges. In most cases, the revocation is permanent. You may apply for relicensing after five years, but approval is not guaranteed.
Even if the new charge is a misdemeanor, the long-term impact on your license can still be very serious.
If you face a DWI charge in Rockland County and have past alcohol record convictions, the result of your case can decide if you will be allowed to drive for many years. Early legal help is very important in the future.
If you have questions about your situation or your ability to drive, speak with an experienced Rockland County traffic attorney right away.
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. This article is for information only and does not give legal advice. Each case is different and must be carefully reviewed based on its own facts.
