New York State and local law enforcement officials will be cracking down on drunk driving for six days as part of the STOP-DWI Independence Day initiative. Drivers can expect an increase in marked and unmarked patrols starting Friday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 5. Police will be on the lookout for drunk driving as well as other traffic violations, such as speeding, cell phone use and texting while driving, and seatbelt violations.

Last month, New York State Police wrote over 12,000 tickets and arrested nearly 240 people for drunk driving as part of the Memorial Day STOP-DWI campaign. Because Independence Day falls in the middle of the week, the upcoming initiative will take place over a longer period of time and likely result in even more summons and arrests.

A conviction for drunk driving can be costly on a lot of levels. In addition to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in prison for a first offense, it can also lead to your license being suspended or even revoked. Other possible consequences include the installation of a costly ignition interlock device and mandatory attendance of a victim impact program. A DWI on your driving record can also cause your auto insurance premiums to skyrocket – in fact, drunk driving is the most expensive traffic violation in New York in terms of impact on premiums, according to one study.

Don’t give up your freedom this Independence Day. If you or someone you love has been charged with drunk driving or any other traffic violation as part of the STOP-DWI enforcement, contact an attorney right away to protect your rights. The lawyers of the Rosenblum Law are have extensive experience fighting drunk driving and other traffic-related crimes in New York and New Jersey. Email or call 888-203-2619 for a free consultation about your case.