New York
DWI / DUI Lawyer in New York
A DWI or DUI charge threatens your license, your record, and sometimes your freedom. These cases need real defense work — evidence review, procedural challenges, and negotiation. Start with a consultation so an attorney can evaluate your specific case.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Charges like this one start with a short call. A licensed New York attorney reviews your case and explains your options before you pay anything.
Request a free consultation- Win rate
- 98%
- Drivers helped
- 5,000+
- Saved for drivers
- $7M+
- Avg. insurance savings
- $1,422
How it works
Three steps from ticket to result.
- STEP 01
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- STEP 02
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney reviews your case and walks you through your options.
- STEP 03
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
Why it matters in New York
What a dwi / dui costs in New York
- Typical fine
- $500–$1,000 first-offense DWI, plus surcharges and a $750 Driver Responsibility Assessment
- License points
- No points — DWI works through direct license revocation instead
- Insurance impact
- Expect premiums to double or worse after a DWI conviction, with the DMV's $250-per-year assessment for three years stacked on top.
- License risk
- Minimum 6-month revocation for a first DWI, license suspension at arraignment while the case is pending, and a mandatory ignition interlock on conviction.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between DWI and DWAI in New York?
DWI (0.08% BAC or intoxication) is a misdemeanor crime. DWAI-alcohol (roughly 0.05–0.07%) is a non-criminal traffic infraction with lighter penalties — and it's the classic negotiated outcome for a first-offense DWI when the facts support it. Aggravated DWI (0.18%+) cuts the other way and limits plea options.
Will my license be taken before I'm even convicted?
Usually, yes — New York suspends your license at arraignment if you tested 0.08+ ('prompt suspension'). Many drivers qualify for a hardship privilege and later a conditional license through the Impaired Driver Program, and an attorney should be arguing for that on day one.
Why is the first step a consultation instead of a price?
A DWI file has to be read before it can be defended: the stop's legality, field sobriety administration, breath instrument calibration, and whether Leandra's Law or aggravated thresholds apply. We connect you with a licensed New York DWI attorney who reviews all of it before recommending anything.
Is an ignition interlock mandatory in New York?
For any misdemeanor DWI conviction, yes — Leandra's Law requires an interlock on every vehicle you own or operate, typically for at least 12 months. A reduction to DWAI avoids the interlock requirement, which is one of the biggest practical wins available.
Will a refusal to blow help or hurt me?
A refusal triggers its own DMV revocation — at least one year — through a separate administrative hearing with its own short deadline, independent of the criminal case. It also removes the BAC number from evidence, which cuts both ways. An attorney needs to handle both proceedings in parallel.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation