The star, David Cassidy, was arrested for driving under the influence in New York in August of 2013. There was a DWI checkpoint outside of Albany, NY where an officer arrested him. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level reported by the officer was .10%. New York driving laws require drivers to be under .08% if they are 21 years of age and older, so Cassidy was arrested for allegedly drunk driving. The star has a prior DWI conviction from 2010 in Florida which increased this alleged offense to felony DWI charges. The penalties for felony DWI charges in New York are harsh, this offense is punishable by all of the following if convicted:
Second DWI offense in NY: Class E felony
- Between five days and four years in jail
- Up to 30 days of community service
- A fine between $1,000 and $5,000
- At least one year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device installation
Third DWI offense in NY: Class D felony
- Between 10 days and seven years in jail
- Up to 60 days of community service
- A fine between $2,000 and $10,000
- At least one year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device installation
- Alcohol assessment
If convicted, David Cassidy may be facing the penalties for a second DWI offense. The star actually lives in Florida but vacates in New York for part of the summer. Florida and New York are both members of the Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC) along with the Driver License Compact (DLC). This would affect Cassidy's case because the agreement among states makes his driving history from Florida relevant in New York. If he is convicted, the state of Florida would recognize this arrest in New York as a part of his criminal record. At the same time, Cassidy's prior DUI conviction in Florida can play a role in his case in NY. If you are arrested for a DWI in New York, contact a Brooklyn criminal lawyer from The Law Offices of Michael Mullen right away.