If you have recently been charged with a DWI or DUI in Buffalo, we understand that you are likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Being faced with such charges can be a confusing and emotional time, and it is natural to worry about the outcome of your case. At this moment, it is important to know that you are not alone. Our team at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, P.C. is here to guide you through this process, providing the support and legal assistance you need. We understand what you are going through and are ready to help you fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Understanding Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and Its Impact on DWI/DUI Charges
In Buffalo, as in the rest of New York, a key factor in determining whether someone is driving while impaired or intoxicated is their Blood Alcohol Content, or BAC. BAC refers to the percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. The higher the BAC, the more impaired a person is likely to be, which can directly affect their ability to drive safely. Law enforcement officers use BAC to determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol, and this measurement plays a major role in DWI and DUI cases.
In New York, the legal BAC limit for drivers aged 21 and over is 0.08%. This means that if your BAC is found to be 0.08% or higher, you may be arrested for driving while intoxicated. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is lower, set at 0.04%. Additionally, for drivers under the age of 21, the limit is even stricter, with a BAC of just 0.02% or higher being enough to lead to a DUI charge.
How BAC Testing Works in Buffalo DWI/DUI Cases
If you are stopped by law enforcement officers in Buffalo for suspected driving under the influence, one of the first steps they will take is to assess your BAC. This is typically done through a breathalyzer test, but there are also other methods such as blood tests or urine tests that can be used, depending on the circumstances.
Breathalyzer tests are the most common and are used on-site during traffic stops. If the device shows that your BAC is above the legal limit, the police officer will likely arrest you for DWI or DUI. However, it is important to note that these tests are not always accurate, and factors such as the way the test is administered and even the type of device used can impact the results.
In some cases, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, you may face additional penalties. New York has an implied consent law, which means that by driving on the roads, you have agreed to submit to a BAC test if requested by a police officer. Refusing the test can result in a suspension of your driver’s license, even if you are not convicted of DWI or DUI.
The Role of BAC in Your DWI/DUI Case
Your BAC will likely be a major factor in your DWI or DUI case. A BAC reading above the legal limit can make it more difficult to contest the charges. However, this does not mean that you have no options. It is important to understand that BAC evidence is not always as clear-cut as it may seem. Several factors can affect how alcohol is processed in the body, and an experienced attorney can help identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
For example, if you were tested shortly after being pulled over, your BAC might not accurately reflect your level of intoxication at the time you were driving. Alcohol can take time to enter the bloodstream, so there is a possibility that your BAC was below the legal limit when you were operating the vehicle but rose above the limit by the time the test was conducted.
Additionally, there are other factors that can lead to inaccurate BAC readings. Medical conditions, medications, and even certain foods can affect the results of a breathalyzer test. A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate whether any of these factors played a role in the test results and work to challenge the evidence.
Challenging BAC Evidence in Court
While BAC is a key piece of evidence in DWI and DUI cases, it is not always definitive. An attorney can review the circumstances of your case and the accuracy of the BAC test. In some situations, your attorney may be able to argue that the BAC test was improperly administered or that the results were not reliable. If there is any reasonable doubt about the validity of the BAC evidence, this could help reduce or even dismiss the charges against you.
One common defense strategy is to question whether the breathalyzer device was properly calibrated. These devices need to be regularly maintained and calibrated to ensure accurate readings. If the device used to test your BAC was malfunctioning or not properly calibrated, the results may not be reliable.
Another possible defense is to challenge the timing of the BAC test. As mentioned earlier, alcohol can take time to enter your bloodstream, so the test results may not reflect your BAC at the time you were driving. An experienced attorney can carefully analyze the timeline of events and argue that the BAC test was not an accurate representation of your level of intoxication when you were behind the wheel.
Penalties for DWI/DUI Convictions in Buffalo
If you are convicted of a DWI or DUI in Buffalo, the penalties can be severe. For a first offense, the penalties for a conviction may include a fine, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possible jail time. For subsequent offenses, the penalties become even more severe, with longer license suspensions, higher fines, and longer prison sentences.
The consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction can extend beyond legal penalties. A conviction can impact your employment, reputation, and insurance rates. Having a skilled attorney on your side can help minimize the damage and improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
How We Can Help With Your DWI/DUI Case
If you are facing a DWI or DUI charge in Buffalo, you don’t have to face it alone. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, P.C., we understand the challenges that come with such charges, and we are committed to helping you navigate the legal process. Our team will review every detail of your case, challenge any inaccuracies in the evidence, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for you.
We know that you may be worried about the future, but we want you to know that we are here to fight for your rights and help you move forward. Our goal is to help you avoid the harsh consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction and protect your future.
If you are ready to take the next step in your case, contact us today at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, P.C. We are here to listen, offer support, and provide the legal guidance you need during this difficult time. Let us help you get through this and work toward a successful case result.