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CAN YOU BE ARRESTED FOR DRUNKEN SNOOZING?

We all know driving while intoxicated (DWI) can lead to fines, license revocation, higher insurance premiums, and possible imprisonment. But did you know that you can also get into a heap of trouble for "snoozing" while intoxicated?

In People v. Singh , Mr. Singh was found asleep in his car, slumped over the steering wheel, with the key in the ignition and engine running. When arrested by police, his blood alcohol concentration  was ".219 of one percent" (well over the legal limit of .08%).*

Even though Singh claimed that he did not intend to operate the vehicle, neither the Queens County Criminal Court nor the Appellate Term, Second Department, bought the argument and his DWI conviction was left undisturbed.

What a bummer!

To download a copy of the Appellate Term's decision, please use this link: People v. Singh

To download a brochure on the topic distributed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles , please use this link:  You and the Drinking Driving Laws

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*In the State of New York, if you are under 21, a " Zero Tolerance Law " imposes varying degrees of fines and penalties if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ranges from .02% and higher. All others face criminal prosecution at BAC levels of .05% and higher.

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