New York DWI Defense
Arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Start by assessing the charge and the evidence
In New York, alcohol- or drug-impaired driving cases can involve criminal proceedings, your driving privileges and other consequences. After a ticket, an arrest or a test-refusal proceeding, it is important to review the case papers and key dates promptly.
We help clients understand the charge, review the stop, the testing and the arrest, and build a response based on the evidence and their circumstances.
DWI-related cases
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
- Driving While Ability Impaired by alcohol (DWAI–Alcohol).
- Aggravated DWI.
- Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs (DWAI–Drugs).
- Driving impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs.
- Chemical test refusal proceedings.
- Repeat DWI and cases involving an accident or injury.
The specific charge and possible consequences depend on the facts, any prior record and the applicable law.
How a lawyer reviews a DWI case
The stop and the arrest
Reviewing police reports and video to assess the factual basis for the stop, any further investigation and the arrest.
Field and chemical tests
Reviewing field sobriety tests and breath or blood test records, and analyzing the testing process, device records and other factors that can affect the reliability of the evidence.
Driving privileges and related proceedings
Explaining the license issues the case may involve, checking notice, court and hearing dates, and assessing the available responses.
Negotiation and trial preparation
Weighing motions, a negotiated resolution or a trial defense based on the evidence, any prior record and your goals.
A first DWI, a refusal or an accident should each be assessed on its own
Different cases can be handled very differently. Even a first charge calls for a careful check of the exact offense, the test results, any accident and the court papers.
If driving is essential to your work or family life, or you are also concerned about your immigration status, tell us during the consultation so those issues can be assessed together.
What to prepare before a consultation
Please bring the traffic ticket, criminal summons, court notices, your driver’s license, testing paperwork and any accident documents, and write down how the stop, testing and arrest happened.
Contact a New York DWI defense lawyer
From the first court appearance to the resolution of the case, we help you understand the process, review the evidence and decide the next step.
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information and is not legal advice about any specific case. Contacting us does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship; the handling attorney and scope of representation are set in a written engagement agreement.