Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Ithaca Corning DWI defense lawyer: When does a DWI Hardship Hearing require EXTREME Hardship in New York?

"From that day on, if I was goin' somewhere, I WAS RUNNING!" - Forrest Gump

WHEN DOES A DWI HARDSHIP HEARING REQUIRE EXTREME HARDSHIP?

Anyone in New York charged with a DWI that is based upon a breath or blood test of .08 or higher (blood alcohol content) or has refused to take a chemical test is subject to having their driving privileges suspended. This is called a suspension pending prosecution. 

What Happens to My Physical Driver's License After a DWI?

The judge acts as an administrator for the NYS DMV, and must suspend your driving privileges temporarily (while your criminal case is pending). If you have an out-of-state driver's license, then only your NYS privileges are suspended. If you are from another state they will merely photocopy your out-of-state license- not take it away. If you have a NYS driver's license you must surrender it to the court.

The Extreme Hardship to the Mild Hardship

Under New York state law you are entitled to a hardship hearing within three days (72 hours) of your arraignment and license suspension where you can make application for a hardship license privileges. Hardship license privileges are supposed to be awarded or more rewarded upon proof that you have NO reasonable means of transportation to work, school, and/or medical care.

"Reasonableness" with Hardship Privileges is a Standard... or Is It?

Some judges view the word extreme in all it's glory. When is it an extreme hardship? I once had a client from Rochester, to get to his place of work he needed to take four to five buses a various times. The judge in that case said NO to a hardship privilege for work. In another case, I had a client who lived out in farm country (most of the Finger Lakes) and the judge said he could bike the two miles to work. Even though I argued this was January (snow season) and freezing cold temperatures and biking at night. He didn't care. 

What is the DWI Hardship License Standard and How is it Applied?

The New York standard for hardship is found in the case of People v. Bridgman. The Bridgman court came up with eight factors to be taken into consideration by the judge to grant or award hardship driving privileges:

“(1) the presence or absence of licensed persons present in the licensee’s household; (2) the ability of other licensed household members to provide transportation for the licensee; (3) the occupation and health condition of the licensee; the proximity of the licensee’s place of employment, health care provider or school to his or her household; (5) the presence or absence of any public transportation or taxi service to or from the licensee’s household to the place of employment, health care provider or school (6) a consideration of the licensee’s ability to afford public transportation or taxi service as an alternative means of transportation; (7) the presence or absence of co-workers, friends or family members who may assist in the licensee’s transportation; and (8) any other factor that the court deems appropriate to the determination.”

Creative Lawyering to Maintain DWI License Privileges By the Court

Are these the only factors or the main factors, in a word no. I have argued lateness of night, and dangers to women walking alone to their cars. I have creatively argued time of day, and non-existent bus schedules. I have argued for daycare privileges, helping a parent with their medical care, and even having to drive for work in New Jersey and Massachusetts. When license privileges are on the line creativity must come to the forefront.


Saving a license and the ability to drive, especially for the necessities of life and living, are paramount to the majority of people. 



If you have questions about a DWI case or a DWI Refusal case in New York, call us:   607-229-5184


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BY Larry Newman, D.C., Esq.
NEWMAN & CYR
Educational Purposes only. Copyright 2016.

If you or a loved one are charged with a crime, we strongly urge you to consult with a local, licensed criminal defense attorney to lessen the possible negative outcomes -including the potential loss of your freedom.

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