Drunk Driving Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
Flashing lights in your rearview mirror on the BQE (I-278). A police officer approaches after you’ve had drinks at a gathering in Brooklyn. You’re now facing a drunk driving charge in Kings County, New York — a DWI arrest that threatens your license, your freedom, and your future. In this vulnerable moment, you need experienced legal guidance. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., with a five-jurisdiction practice and decades of combined experience, represents clients in Brooklyn charged with DWI and related offenses. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Our Strategy for Brooklyn Drunk Driving Cases
When you are charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Kings County, the approach taken by your defense counsel can significantly affect the outcome. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team begin by scrutinizing every aspect of the traffic stop and arrest. Was there a valid reason for the stop? Were field sobriety tests administered properly? Did the officer follow protocols for the breath test or blood draw? Any procedural error may weaken the prosecution’s case. We explore whether charges can be negotiated to a lesser offense, such as driving while ability impaired (DWAI), or whether the facts support a full dismissal. In appropriate cases, we pursue an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), a New York disposition that adjourns the case for six to twelve months and leads to dismissal if you stay out of further trouble. Our goal is to pursue the most favorable resolution available under New York’s Criminal Procedure Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law.
What to Expect After a DWI Arrest in Brooklyn
After a DWI arrest in Brooklyn, your case will be heard at either the NYC Criminal Court (Kings County) or, for felony charges, the Kings County Supreme Court. Most first-offense DWI matters are handled in Criminal Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. You will be arraigned, informed of the charges, and given a future court date. At arraignment, the judge may set bail or release you on your own recognizance; under New York’s 2020 bail reform, many misdemeanor defendants are released without cash bail. The discovery process follows, during which your attorney obtains the police reports, breath‑test records, and any video evidence. The court schedules hearings and, if no resolution is reached, a trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear with you at each stage — from the initial appearance through any pretrial hearings and, if necessary, trial — and work to protect your rights throughout the process.
Penalty Overview for Drunk Driving in New York
A first-offense DWI in New York is a misdemeanor. Under N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192, a person who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while actually impaired by alcohol or drugs, commits a criminal offense. The court may impose up to one year in jail, a fine of $500 to $1,000, a six‑month license revocation, and an ignition interlock device requirement. A DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) is a traffic infraction with a maximum of 15 days in jail and a 90‑day license suspension; it is often a target for reduction from a DWI charge. For a second DWI within ten years, the charge becomes a Class E felony carrying up to four years in prison. Aggravated DWI (BAC of 0.18% or above) carries enhanced penalties. The specific penalty depends on the details of the stop, any prior record, and how the case is handled. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review the evidence to determine whether a reduction, an ACD, or another alternative disposition is feasible.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings insight into how the other side builds its case and knows where to look for weaknesses. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he and his Of Counsel team have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The team includes former prosecutors and former law enforcement with extensive knowledge of criminal procedure. Working collaboratively, they develop a defense strategy tailored to the unique facts of each Brooklyn DWI case. Whether negotiating with the District Attorney’s Office or advocating at a hearing, the team focuses on achieving favorable outcomes while keeping the client informed at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York have cash bail for DWI cases?
New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies in 2020, meaning many first‑time DWI defendants are released on recognizance. In Kings County (Brooklyn), a person arrested for a misdemeanor DWI is generally issued a desk appearance ticket and released. For felony DWI, bail may still be set if the court finds a risk of flight or danger to the community. An experienced attorney can advocate for release conditions at the arraignment. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is an ACD in Brooklyn, New York?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition where the court adjourns the case for 6 to 12 months and, if you have no further arrests, the charges are automatically dismissed. ACDs are available for many first‑offense cases in Kings County courts, including certain alcohol‑related driving offenses. The records can subsequently be sealed under CPL § 160.59. To discuss whether an ACD is a possibility in your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the penalty for a first‑offense DWI in Brooklyn?
A first‑offense DWI in New York is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of $500 to $1,000, a six‑month license revocation, and an ignition interlock device. The court may also require a driver‑education program. The exact sentence depends on your BAC, whether any accident occurred, and your criminal history. An experienced attorney may work to reduce the charge to a DWAI, which carries lighter penalties. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between DWI and DWAI in New York?
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) requires a BAC of 0.08% or higher or proof of intoxication; DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) involves a lower degree of impairment by alcohol or drugs. A DWAI is a traffic infraction with up to 15 days jail, a fine, and a 90‑day license suspension. A DWI is a misdemeanor with jail up to one year and a longer license revocation. Many first‑offense DWI cases in Brooklyn are resolved as DWAI when the evidence is weaker. An attorney can evaluate whether this reduction is possible.
Can a DWI be reduced to a lesser charge in Brooklyn?
Yes, a DWI charge in Brooklyn can often be negotiated to a DWAI or even a non‑criminal violation depending on the facts of the stop and the defendant’s record. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office may offer a reduction if the evidence of intoxication is marginal or if there are procedural issues with the arrest. An experienced DWI lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. will review the police reports, breath‑test maintenance logs, and video to identify grounds for negotiation. Results may vary. depending on the circumstances.
Request a Consultation
If you face a drunk driving charge in Brooklyn, do not delay in seeking legal guidance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. are available to discuss your case and explain your options. Consultations are by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a time to speak with an attorney.
New York Location:
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.