Drunk Driving Lawyer Kings County, NY
If you are facing a drunk driving charge in Kings County, the immediate step is to understand your legal options. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals across New York’s five boroughs, including Brooklyn. Our team, led by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, handles DWI, DWAI, and related traffic offenses in Kings County Criminal Court and Supreme Court. We evaluate the circumstances of your traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test results to pursue outcomes tailored to your case. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What Drunk Driving Means in Kings County
New York’s drunk driving laws, codified at N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192, define several related offenses. A person may be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Aggravated DWI applies when the BAC is .18% or above. Driving while ability impaired (DWAI) involves a lower degree of impairment. Each carries its own set of potential consequences, and a Kings County arrest will typically be handled at the Criminal Court in Brooklyn for first offenses, with felony matters transferred to Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street.
A first-offense DWI is generally charged as a misdemeanor and carries penalties that can include up to one year in jail, fines and surcharges, a driver’s license suspension or revocation, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Repeat offenses are felonies and expose a defendant to incarceration in state prison. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, meaning many people charged with a first-time DWI are released on their own recognizance after arraignment. In some first-offense cases, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) may be available—charges are adjourned for six to twelve months and dismissed if the individual avoids new arrests. The court also has the authority to impose conditions such as attendance at a victim impact panel or participation in a substance abuse evaluation.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Drunk Driving Cases
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work, and his Of Counsel team begin by examining every aspect of the traffic stop and the evidence the prosecution intends to present. This includes the legality of the stop, the administration of standardized field sobriety tests, and the calibration and operation of breath-testing instruments. Our approach focuses on identifying procedural or evidentiary weaknesses that may support a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or a favorable plea resolution. Because each case unfolds differently, we advise clients on the full range of available options, from negotiation with the prosecutor to trial.
Throughout the life of the case, we explain each step—arraignment, pretrial conferences, motions, and, if necessary, trial—so clients can make informed decisions. The firm does not promise a particular outcome, but we work to achieve a result that minimizes the long‑term consequences of a drunk driving arrest. Consultations are available by appointment; reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He founded the firm in 1997 and has handled criminal defense matters across multiple jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The Of Counsel team consists of attorneys engaged through Excella; each brings substantial experience to the firm’s drunk driving defense work.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. They have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York have cash bail?
New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies in 2020. Most defendants charged with a first-offense drunk driving in Kings County are released on their own recognizance after arraignment. Bail remains available for violent felonies and certain qualifying offenses. The court may also impose non-monetary conditions such as supervised release or travel restrictions. An attorney can explain what to expect at the arraignment and help ensure the court sets appropriate conditions.
What is an ACD in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition that can result in charges being dismissed after six to twelve months. ACDs may be available in some first-offense drunk driving cases, depending on the facts and the prosecutor’s position. During the adjournment period, the individual must avoid new arrests and comply with any court-ordered conditions. Once the period expires, the charges are dismissed and the record may be sealed. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss whether an ACD could apply
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York?
A Class A misdemeanor in Kings County carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail. A first-offense DWI is typically a Class A misdemeanor. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to three months. In addition to incarceration, a drunk driving conviction may result in fines, a driver’s license suspension or revocation, and an ignition interlock requirement. Because the exact consequences depend on the charge and criminal history, speaking with an attorney is important.
Can I get my criminal record sealed in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York?
New York law permits conditional sealing of certain convictions under CPL § 160.59 after ten years have passed. Records of ACD dismissals are sealed automatically. The sealing process for a prior drunk driving conviction requires a court application, and eligibility depends on the offense and the person’s overall criminal history. An attorney can review your record and explain whether sealing is available.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Where to Find a Drunk Driving Lawyer in Kings County
- Brooklyn Criminal Defense
- Manhattan Criminal Defense
- Queens Criminal Defense
- Staten Island Criminal Defense
- Nassau County Criminal Defense
Primary Sources
N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1192 ·
Kings County Supreme Court · New York DMV
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.