Manhattan First-Offense DWI Attorney

Lawyer in New York City for Clients Facing Drunk Driving Charges for the First Time

Each year in New York State, many thousands of drivers are pulled over and arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI). A large percentage of these drivers are ultimately convicted, leading to severe penalties that include fines, incarceration, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent black mark on their criminal records and driving histories.

If you are facing such charges, and you do not have any prior drunk driving convictions from any state within the last ten years, your case will be handled as a first offense. The laws in New York are stricter on first-time DWI offenders compared to those in many other states, as there are limits in place as to the types of plea deals that can be offered by prosecutors. For these reasons and many others, it is crucial to enlist the help of a qualified DWI defense lawyer at The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC when you have been charged with a first-offense DWI.

Understanding First-Time DWI in Queens and Brooklyn

The vast majority of DWI cases in the state of New York involve a driver who is alleged to have consumed alcohol. Criminal charges are possible for any driver who is suspected of operating a motor vehicle on a public road or highway with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.05. If your BAC is above 0.05 but below 0.08, and you show other signs of impairment such as slurred speech or failed sobriety testing, you could be charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, or DWAI/Alcohol. If your BAC is 0.08 or more, you could be charged with DWI. Aggravated DWI charges are possible if your BAC is 0.18 or higher.

A conviction on DWAI/Alcohol is considered a traffic violation for a first offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 15 days in jail, or both. Your license will also be suspended for at least 90 days. A first conviction on a DWI charge, including DWI charges involving drugs, is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties include up to $1,000 in fines, up to one (1) year in jail, and a revocation of your license for six months. A first conviction on aggravated DWI charges is a misdemeanor as well, punishable by fines of up to $2,500, up to one (1) year in jail, and a one (1) year revocation of your license. In cases involving DWI or aggravated DWI charges, you could also face a probation period during which you are required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

Put Experience on Your Side

Attorney Gregory J. Watford is a seasoned negotiator and a fierce litigator with more than 25 years of criminal law experience. He also has over a decade of experience working in law enforcement as a criminal investigator. His background as an investigator and a former assistant district attorney has taught him a great deal about the entire New York criminal justice process from crime scene to courtroom. Mr. Watford is ready to put his experience and first-hand knowledge to work on your behalf when you are facing first-time charges for DWI.

New York State maintains rather strict laws regarding potential plea agreements for first-time DWI offenders. Prosecutors are generally limited regarding what they can offer, but it may be possible to have your DWI or aggravated DWI charges pleaded down to DWAI/Alcohol, depending on the circumstances. However, it may also be in your best interest to fight the charges outright, and our team is ready to help you do so. We will conduct a full review of your case, including BAC test results, results of field sobriety tests, and the behavior of the arresting officer. From there, we will work with you in deciding on the best course of action. No matter how serious the charges against you may be, we will do everything we can to protect your rights and your future.

Contact Our Firm Today

For more information about defending against first-time DWI charges in New York City, contact our office. Call 646-580-6675 for a confidential consultation at The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC today. We serve clients in New York County, Kings County, Queens County, Bronx County, Westchester County, Nassau County, Rockland County, and the surrounding areas.