In addition, the threshold for a permanent license revocation has been reduced from five alcohol related driving incidents to four alcohol related driving incidents. Also, those with three alcohol related driving incidents and a conviction for a serious driving offense may also receive a permanent revocation.

Under the new changes in the law, prior youthful offender DWI offenses will now be included in the drivers total DWI count. In the past they were not included.

The look back period remains the same at 25 years.

Alcohol related convictions are now 11 points. They were previously 0 points.

Drug related traffic convictions are now 11 points. They were previously 0 points.

Speeding 1-10 miles over the limit is now 4 points. It was previously 3 points.

Passing a school bus is now 8 points. It was previously 5 points.

Speeding in a construction zone is now at least 8 points.

Over-height vehicle/ bridge strike is now 8 points. It was previously 0 points.

Cell phone violations and electronic portable device violations are now 6 points each. They were previously 5 points each.

Failure to exercise due care is now 5 points. It was previously 2 points.

Speed Contest is now 5 points. It was previously 0 points.

In addition, the NYS DMV has lowered the point threshold for a license suspension from 11 points to 10 points, and have extended the look back period to 24 months from 18 months, from the date of violation.

An attorney can act as an shield between you and the police, preventing you from making statements to the police that the police may use against you.

Keep in mind that if you talk to the police after waving your Miranda rights, those statements can be used against you. The waiver does not have to be in writing. It can be verbal. If arrested, calls made to and from the Suffolk County Correctional Facility are subject to electronic monitoring and recording. Anything you say can be used by the prosecutor.

• A Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer will act as a shield from police questioning thereby preventing a defendant from making incriminating statements that can later be used against him or her.
• The lawyer can investigate the allegations early on, identifying witnesses, gathering evidence and obtaining surveillance footage that may be lost or destroyed.
• Once charges are filed time limits begin to run. Retaining a lawyer early on can help avoid missing important deadlines.
• Help avoid accidentally consenting to illegal searches or consenting to being questioned by the police.
• At arraignment a lawyer can argue for reduced bail or for a client to be released on his or her own recognizance, no bail required.
• A lawyer that is retained early on can analyze the case for weaknesses such as illegal police conduct and formulate a strong defense from the onset.
• A Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer will handle all communications with law enforcement and the prosecutor, avoiding problems that arise when defendants communicate directly with them.
• A lawyer can often negotiate a resolution before a defendant is indicted on a felony charge, preventing harsh mandatory plea and sentencing guidelines.