Suffolk County DWI / DUI Lawyer

A Suffolk County DWI Lawyer can tell you that getting charged with a DWI or DUI can be a life-changing experience. If you are convicted, you could face jail time, heavy fines, probation and loss to your license. This is all in addition to the embarrassment that a DWI conviction can bring. The NY Vehicle and Traffic law 1192 defines a DWI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher. If you have been charged, the best course of action is to act quickly to ensure that your rights are protected. Speak with an experienced Long Island DUI Lawyer from our team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC.

If you have been stopped by police and have been charged with driving under the influence, there are several different offenses that you could be charged with such as:

DWI: If you were found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher, you can be charged with a DWI.

Aggravated DWI: If you are found to be driving with a blood alcohol content over .18%, you can be charged with an Aggravated DWI.

DWAI: You can be charged with a DWAI if you are found to be operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .05%-.07%, or are determined to be impaired by a substance other than alcohol.

If you have been charged with a DWI or DWAI, the penalties are as follows:

DWI Penalties: A first time DWI is classified as a misdemeanor, and is punishable by a maximum of 1 year in jail, fines, suspension of your license for 6 months, and 3 years probation. A second offense within 10 years is more serious and is considered a Felony DWI. This offense is punishable by 1 year in jail, fines, probation, and loss of your license for 1 year.

DWAI Penalties: A DWAI is considered a traffic infraction, so it is not reflected on your permanent record. Penalties for a first offense include 15 days in jail, fines, and a 90 day license suspension. A second offense is punishable by fines, 90 days in jail and a 6-month suspension of your driver’s license.

If you have been charged with a DWI or DWAI, you are probably confused as to what your next steps should be. It is important to speak with a qualified New York DWI Attorney from Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC at your first opportunity. We can explain what legal options are available to you and create an aggressive defense strategy to protect your rights. When you come in, we can provide you with legal guidance and a completely free consultation. We serve our clients throughout New York for your convenience, including Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as sell as Westchester County. In New York City, we have office locations in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Call us today to schedule your free appointment at 800.696.9529.