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Mar 19 2021

Drunk driver with previous DWI arrested in Scarsdale after erratic driving

A man with a prior conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) was allegedly drunk when police stopped him for reckless driving in Scarsdale, New York. A patrol officer responded to a report of an erratic Subaru driver.

The driver, Renzo Mendoza, 40, was determined to be under the influence. During the police stop, officers spotted an unopened alcohol bottle on the passenger seat floor.

Mendoza allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer and failed field sobriety tests. After further investigation, authorities discovered that Mendoza had a prior DWI and that he had been driving an illegally registered vehicle.

He was arrested and taken to the Scarsdale Police Department, where he took a breath test. His blood alcohol content (BAC) was almost three times the legal threshold.

Mendoza was charged with aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 or more, operating a motor vehicle with a prior conviction, and circumventing an ignition interlock device, among other charges. He was also cited for refusing to take a blood test and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

In New York, repeat DWI offenses are punished with harsh penalties to deter drivers from drunk driving again. A first offense is classified as a misdemeanor, while repeat DWI offenses are felonies.

Under state law, drivers suspected of drunk driving must submit to a formal breath test to measure BAC. Refusing to take a breathalyzer can lead to additional penalties, including the loss of driving privileges. On top of that, you could still be charged with a DWI.

A skilled DWI defense lawyer can protect you from the harshest consequences of a repeat DWI. Contact Brill Legal Group today to learn more.