Top-Rated DWI Lawyers in New York City

Finding a New York DWI lawyer with extensive experience in DWI law in New York City can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal. Beating a drunk driving charge depends more on the skill of your DWI attorney than the actual evidence gathered against you. A top-rated DWI/DUI defense attorney will be able to overcome many of the challenges to reaching a dismissal.

Immediately After A DWI Arrest in NYC

A top-rated DWI lawyer in NYC can provide immediate assistance by ensuring that your rights are protected during the arrest and booking process. They can provide advice on whether to submit to DWI chemical tests or DWI breath tests and how to interact with NYC law enforcement to minimize incriminating statements.

In New York City, there is a mandatory Administrative License Suspension for all DWI and DWAI charges. Depending on the charges, you may be able to appeal the administrative license suspension. You have 60 days from the date of your arrest to file an ALS appeal. Your New York City DWI lawyer can help you file this appeal quickly.

DWI Pre-Trial Phase

The top-rated DWI lawyers in New York City can scrutinize the arrest procedure and evidence gathered. This includes the the calibration and administration of breathalyzer tests, to look for inconsistencies or irregularities that could be challenged.

In some instances, a New York City DWI attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea to a lesser charge. This could include changing a DWI to a DWAI, which often carries lesser penalties. Additionally, filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or to dismiss the charges for lack of probable cause can be crucial. This is where expert legal advice of a top-rated criminal defense attorney comes into play.

During A DWI Trial in NYC

An experienced NYC DWI lawyer can help in the selection of a jury that might be more sympathetic to the defense. A top-rated DWI lawyer in New York City can enlist forensic toxicologists or other experts to testify on your behalf, strengthening your DWI defense. This may be especially helpful in cases involving evidence from standardized field sobriety tests and other types of medical evidence.

Skillful cross-examination of the arresting officers and any state experts can expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Reducing the credibility of law enforcement officers also reduces the credibility of any evidence they have gathered. This will bolster your chances of beating the DWI charges at trial or getting the charges reduced (for example, to reckless driving).

After A DWI Trial in NYC

If the verdict is unfavorable, a New York City DWI attorney can immediately begin the process of filing an appeal or seeking other post-conviction relief. They can also help with sentence mitigation, like requesting alternative sentencing options to minimize the negative impact on the client’s life.

DWI Appeals and Onward

An appeal is not a retrial but a legal argument that the trial court made errors that affected the outcome. Here, in-depth knowledge of NYC appellate law is essential. A specialized DWI appellate attorney can identify and articulate these legal errors to an appellate court.

Even after all legal avenues have been exhausted, a DWI attorney can assist in the expungement or sealing of criminal records. They can also advise on how to minimize the long-term impact of a DWI conviction, such as its effect on employment opportunities or insurance rates.