A 31-year-old New York man was charged with driving while intoxicated after he allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian in the early morning hours of Jan. 5. According to Southampton Town police, he had never been taken into custody for drunk driving in the past. He may face additional charges in relation to the pedestrian death.
The driver was heading west on Montauk Highway in a 2001 Ford pickup truck at 4:24 a.m. when he hit a parked vehicle on the shoulder of the road. He then hit the pedestrian and her vehicle, which was parked in front of a popular eatery in the area. The 56-year-old woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was delivering newspapers. The driver sustained non-threatening injuries.
First-time drunk driving offenders in the state of New York can face a host of serious and costly penalties that include the suspension or revocation of driving privileges, fines and a yearly annual assessment fee. Penalties can also include up to one year in jail. Automobile insurance rates can increase if the driver has a DWI conviction.
A first-time DWI conviction in New York is considered a misdemeanor. When it is associated with another charge, such as vehicular homicide, where someone is killed in an accident, the charge is considered a felony DWI. This is a much more serious charge and can lead to jail time as well as a loss of the ability to vote or obtain a professional license and other repercussions.
The cost and penalties associated with a DWI or a felony DWI in New York are significant. Additional evidence and other circumstances surrounding the incident could change the outcome. A defense attorney may provide advice concerning the charges and the DWI process.
Source: Westhampton-Hampton Bays Patch, Cops: Drunken Driver Kills Pedestrian In Hampton Bays Crash”
