You may already have an idea of the penalties that come with a drunk driving charge in New York. What many drivers do not realize, however, is that being convicted for a second drunk driving offense can have disastrous consequences, whether it is the loss of your driving privileges or longer time behind bars.

Repeat drunk driving charges should not be taken lightly. While a driving while intoxicated (DWI) first offense is classified as a misdemeanor, repeat offenses are felonies. Having a felony on your record can affect your livelihood and your future. Additionally, the penalties for a repeat DWI are determined with consideration of prior convictions.

In a recent case, a driver was arrested for DWI and trying to flee the scene of an accident in Westchester, New York. He was ultimately tracked down by police.

A Scarsdale Police Department officer on patrol was alerted to a multi-vehicle collision near the Hutchinson Avenue and Meadow Road intersection. According to a report from the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corp., one of the drivers had left the scene in a vehicle that sustained significant damage to the front.

The fleeing driver was later identified as Stephen Broege, 49, who was driving a Subaru when the crash occurred. Police found the car on Hutchinson Avenue and followed it. According to authorities, Broege kept swerving from his lane. He eventually stopped after entering a driveway.

Broege was arrested and charged with DWI with a prior conviction and leaving the scene of an accident. The former is a felony while the latter is a misdemeanor. He was also cited for refusing to take a breathalyzer. The other driver, a 53-year-old man, sustained a minor injury.

Broege was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to appear in court at a later date. According to police, he had a prior DWI arrest in Scarsdale in 2015. His blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit.

If you have been arrested or convicted for a DWI repeat offense, you need an experienced New York DWI defense attorney in your corner. Brill Legal Group has handled all types of drunk driving cases and knows how to protect your best interests. Contact us today to learn more.