DWI Lawyer Brooklyn — What Are Your Defense Options?
A DWI charge in Brooklyn under NY VTL § 1192 is a serious misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in jail, fines, and license revocation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for these charges. You need a strong defense strategy from the start. Our firm offers 24/7 consultations to discuss your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
In New York, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is defined by Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1192. The law prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (per se DWI) or while impaired by alcohol or drugs (common law DWI). A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a mandatory license suspension. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building case-specific defenses for these charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to NY VTL § 1192 (official New York State Senate). Court procedures for Kings County (Brooklyn) cases are handled at the Kings County Supreme Court.
Handling a Brooklyn DWI Case
Your case begins with an arraignment in local criminal court. A separate DMV refusal hearing must be requested within 15 days to challenge an automatic license suspension. Prosecutors in Kings County routinely seek plea agreements, but an experienced driving while intoxicated defense lawyer Brooklyn can negotiate for reduced charges or explore alternatives like an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD).
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest.
- Attend your arraignment and enter a plea of not guilty.
- File a request for a DMV refusal hearing within 15 days.
- Work with your attorney to review evidence and build a defense strategy.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor or prepare for trial.
- Address all DMV administrative penalties separately from the criminal case.
Potential Penalties for DWI in Brooklyn
In Kings County (Brooklyn), a first-offense DWI carries a fine of $500-$1,000 and up to 1 year in jail, while a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) has fines of $300-$500 and up to 15 days jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWAI (1st) | Traffic Infraction | Up to 15 days | $300 – $500 | 90-day suspension | Driver Responsibility Assessment |
| DWI (1st – Per Se) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $500 – $1,000 | 6-month revocation | Ignition Interlock, DRA, possible conditional license |
| Aggravated DWI (BAC 0.18+) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $1,000 – $2,500 | 1-year revocation | Enhanced fines, mandatory ignition interlock |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled thousands of traffic and criminal cases across multiple states. Our approach is based on detailed case review and active negotiation and litigation.
Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DWI Lawyer Near Kings County (Brooklyn)
Our New York location represents clients at Kings County (Brooklyn) courts. We serve clients in Brooklyn neighborhoods including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Buffalo, New York 14202 Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DWI and DWAI in New York?
Yes, there is a key difference. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a misdemeanor with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) is a traffic infraction for a BAC between 0.05% and 0.07%, or showing impairment. Penalties for DWI are more severe.
Can I get a conditional license after a DWI arrest in Brooklyn?
It depends. You may be eligible for a conditional or “hardship” license after a refusal hearing or conviction, allowing driving to work, school, or medical appointments. An impaired driving charge lawyer Brooklyn can petition the court or DMV for this relief, which is not automatic.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for a DWI?
An ACD is a disposition where your case is adjourned for 6-12 months. If you have no new arrests during that period, the charges are automatically dismissed and can be sealed. It is often available for first-time, non-aggravated offenses.
Do I need a lawyer for a DMV refusal hearing?
Yes. The DMV hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines your license suspension. Having a DWI lawyer Brooklyn represent you significantly improves your chance of preserving your driving privileges or obtaining a conditional license.
What are the penalties for a first-time DWI in Brooklyn?
A first-time DWI (misdemeanor) in Kings County carries a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 1 year in jail, and a mandatory 6-month license revocation. Additional penalties include a Driver Responsibility Assessment and possible ignition interlock device requirement.
If you are facing charges, contact a DWI lawyer Brooklyn at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a case review. We provide 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.