Westchester County DWI / DUI Lawyer

A Westchester County DWI Lawyer knows that if you have been charged with a DWI, DUI or other related offense, you are likely confused and need answers. Being stopped by police and charged with a drunk driving or DWI charge is frightening. It throws you into a new world of court dates, dealing with legal terminology and other things you may not be familiar with. It is important to take action and speak with a skilled New York DWI Lawyer from our team at your first opportunity, as you could be facing serious penalties including jail time, substantial fines and loss of your driving privileges.

In New York, a DWI is set forth in section 1192 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more. Depending on your level of impairment, you can be charged with other related offenses including:

DWI: Operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher.

Aggravated DWI: Operating a vehicle with a BAC of .18% or higher.

DWAI: Operating a vehicle with a BAC of between .05%-.07%, or operating a vehicle impaired by something other than alcohol.

Depending on the specific charges against you, penalties can include:

DWI: In New York, a DWI is a misdemeanor. A first offense is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail, fines, and loss of your driving privileges for 6 months. A second offense is more serious, particularly when your prior offense was within the past ten years. In this instance, you can be charged with a Felony DWI. Punishment for this offense includes a maximum of one year in jail, fines, loss of your license for one year, and three years probation. A Felony DWI charge can also be included on your permanent record.

DWAI: A DWAI is considered a traffic infraction in New York. Punishment for a first offense can include a maximum of 15 days in jail, fines, and loss of your driving privileges. A second DWAI can bring jail time, fines, and loss of your driving privileges for a longer period of time.

Being charged with a DWI or DWAI is an unsettling experience to say the least. It is important to contact an experienced New York DWI Attorney at your first opportunity. Driving under the influence deals with a very specialized area of the law and it is important that you protect your rights at every stage of your legal proceedings. Contact our dedicated attorneys at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC for legal advice. When you come in, we can provide you with guidance and a free consultation. We can serve you throughout New York including Westchester County, and Suffolk County and Nassau County on Long Island. In New York City our offices serve you in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Call us today to make your appointment at 800.696.9529.