CHENANGO COUNTY – Amongst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is important for everyone to stay safe. No one wants to go through the holidays with the stress of a pending criminal charge, suffering from a severe injury, losing a loved one, or causing a loss to someone else.

We want everyone to enjoy the festivities of this season, but if you are drinking do not drive. A DWI is costly, ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 or more. This is just the out of pocket costs and does not include time off of work to meet with an attorney, to attend court appearances, and to go to mandatory classes or Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services counseling. Also, DWI and other alcohol related offenders must install an ignition interlock device on all motor vehicles they own or operate, which they are required to install and maintain which can cost $400 or more. On top of the out of pocket costs and time off of work, your license can be suspended or revoked. Additionally, New York Law allows an insurance company to sue the driver of a car which causes a motor vehicle crash due to alcohol/drug involvement for the no fault benefits (medical, rehabilitation, and lost wages) the insurance company paid.