Starting in November, penalties will get tougher for repeat DWI offenders in New York State. A new DWI law in New York, Vincent's Law ("Vince's Law") goes into effect on November 1, 2014.

Vincent's Law, is named for a Central New York man killed by a drunk driver with five DWI offenses who never served time in prison, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo this summer, and beginning in November of this year, the law attempts to keep multiple DWI offenders off the road. 

Currently, prosecutors use a ten-year window to look back for prior DWI offenses, but under Vincent’s Law prosecutors have the ability of pursuing a D Felony in cases where the defendant has three or more prior DWI convictions in the past 15 years. The D Felony would expose the defendant, under these circumstances, to up to seven years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.

Tom Anelli, founding member of the law firm Anelli Xavier, a statewide firm that focuses it’s practice on DWI Defense feels although this law has good intentions, it may do little to reduce the number of drunk driver’s on the road, because unfortunately DWI is a crime that people commit when there ability to reason has already been impaired by alcohol.  As such, unless they’ve planned ahead, or are in prison (as a result of the law), the law may not help prevent them from driving while intoxicated. 

“That said, I appreciate the legislatures intent in reducing drunk driving and commend them for their efforts in regards to the same,” states Anelli.

Anelli Xavier limits its practice to DWI defense and the defense of the associated serious vehicular charges. For a free case consultation and to learn more, contact Anelli Xavier, (877) 419-2330.