April serves as an important opportunity to reflect on an issue that affects individuals and communities across the country: alcohol awareness. We will examine a recent high-profile incident as a case study to help illustrate how similar situations may be interpreted under New York State law, including here in Buffalo.

The story revolves around professional golfer Tiger Woods, who was involved in a car accident in the state of Florida. Reports surrounding the incident raised questions about whether impairment while under the influence may have been a contributing factor. In this blog, we will use the Tiger Woods story to explain how similar circumstances may be handled under New York State law and to reinforce the importance of alcohol awareness.

This TMZ newsworthy event provides a useful framework for discussing how allegations involving driving under the influence are approached and evaluated in real-life scenarios. It also underscores the broader risks and legal consequences associated with impaired driving, which we want to make a focus on with April being Alcohol Awareness Month.

DuBois Law represents criminal cases related to alcohol and substance use. We are not here to judge; we are simply here to understand and to educate you. So let's break it down!

Breaking Down How Impaired Driving Works in New York State

We want to take you through how this particular case with Tiger Woods would unfold. There is a legal framework that law enforcement follows when an incident involving suspected impaired driving occurs. At first, Tiger Woods was reported to be involved in a rollover crash, and police observed signs of possible impairment from him, including slowed responses, unsteady movement, and other physical indicators.

Although no alcohol was detected through a breathalyzer test, he was still arrested for DUI, refusal to submit to testing, and property damage. Under New York State law, impairment is not limited to alcohol; drivers can face charges if drugs, including prescription medication, affect their ability to operate a vehicle, hence the suspicion of DUI and not a direct DWI. 

In the case of looking at the role of a field sobriety test, it is one of the central tools used to help conduct impaired driving investigations. Thanks to the release of bodycam footage and other reports, it is shown that Tiger exhibited signs of being impaired while performing certain tasks, which contributed to the arrest decision. On top of that, police also recovered pills from his pockets that were confirmed to be prescription opioid hydrocodone, used as painkillers. All of this contributed to his arrest.

In New York State, observations like this can be used as evidence in court; however, they are not definitive proof of impairment, which is why if you are accused, it is imperative to consult with experienced criminal defense attorneys who can challenge those findings. We make a point of this on our DUI/DWI Defense page. You're legally allowed to challenge the validity of field sobriety tests. We examine whether external factors, such as fatigue, injury, or medical conditions, may have affected performance.

Tiger Woods refused a urine test, which resulted in an additional charge to his arrest. Here in New York State, refusal of a chemical test (breath or blood) could lead to suspension of your license and revocation after a DMV hearing on your case. Retaining quality counsel can help improve the outcome of your case.

New York State will also handle your case differently, depending on the specific charge and your prior criminal and/or driving history. With additional history comes heavier penalties, which deepen the requirement for retaining a good defense lawyer to help get you the best outcome possible. 

Every case is different, and outcomes depend heavily on the evidence presented and the defense attorney you choose to present it. This case with Tiger Woods gives a glimpse into how impaired driving can be analyzed on the scene and in the immediate aftermath of a vehicle accident.

Alcohol Awareness and Informed Decision-Making

Alcohol Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving. Whether impairment is caused by alcohol, prescription medication, or another substance, the legal consequences can be serious. Informed decision-making is a process that we hope to help educate people as they learn about how the law works in Buffalo, WNY, and New York State as a whole.

Your ability to understand how these cases are investigated and prosecuted can not only help you a great deal when it comes to making informed decisions, but it also helps us when the time comes to give a legal defense. If you're someone who wants to learn more about how impaired driving works here in New York State or needs legal representation in the matter, give us a call, reach out through our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Impaired Driving FAQ

What should I know about impaired driving in New York State?

A common question we get asked about impaired driving in New York State is whether you can still be charged without a high blood alcohol concentration. Yes, and police will use their observations of you, field sobriety tests, and other evidence to charge you. Drivers can refuse a test, but under New York's implied consent law, refusal can result in immediate license suspension and additional penalties. Penalties for impaired driving vary based on the charge, prior history, and other circumstances. Depending on that, you may be penalized with fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

DISCLAIMER: PAST RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. DANIEL DUBOIS AND ANY DUBOIS LAW ATTORNEYS ARE NOT YOUR ATTORNEYS UNLESS RETAINED. INFORMATION SHARED HERE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. EACH CASE IS UNIQUE AND IS DECIDED BASED ON ITS OWN FACTS AND MERITS AND CANNOT BE COMPARED TO OTHER CASES WHICH MAY HAVE HAD DIFFERENT FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.