Any conviction for a criminal charge can come with consequences. In many cases, the repercussions of a conviction may not even relate directly to the sentencing handed down by the court. For example, if a person is convicted of a DWI charge in New York, it is likely that his or her insurance rates will increase.
On average, insurance premiums in the state of New York increase by $966 after a DWI conviction. While that is lower than other parts of the country, it still increases a person’s yearly insurance expense by more than double on average. Typically, insurance companies do not look favorably on driving records with such a conviction, which is why they tend to charge a considerable amount for coverage.
It is also not unusual for this offense to result in a more significant increase in insurance expenses than other driving violations, including reckless driving or causing a car accident. Though the exact amount of increase can depend on the insurance company chosen, it is still unlikely to find an inexpensive plan after a drunk driving conviction. It is also important to remember that the state also has driving while ability impaired laws, which means that a driver’s blood alcohol level does not have to reach .08% in order for charges to apply.
Any New York driver facing a DWI or DWAI charge certainly wants to avoid the expenses and other penalties that could come from a conviction. As a result, it is essential that accused parties understand how they could address the allegations in efforts to reach a favorable outcome. Gaining information on the charges, applicable laws and defense options may help with that endeavor.
