What happens if a driver is arrested for DWI and also has a child in the vehicle?

When a driver is arrested for DWI and has a child in the vehicle, they may face aggravated penalties due to child endangerment. This is because the presence of a child heightens the severity of the offense. In New York, laws are particularly strict regarding the safety of minors, and driving while intoxicated with a child passenger is considered a serious crime.

Legally, this situation can lead to enhanced charges beyond just DWI. The state has established specific statutes that recognize the risks to minors and impose additional consequences to deter such conduct. This can include child endangerment charges, which carry their own set of penalties, including possible fines and increased jail time if convicted. Therefore, the presence of a child significantly complicates the legal situation for the driver and leads to heightened legal repercussions.