NEW YORK CITY DWI DEFENSE LAWYER

New York’s drunk driving laws are among the harshest in the country. A single mistake, a traffic stop, or one over-the-limit reading can threaten your license, your livelihood, and your freedom. If you’ve been arrested for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) in New York City, you need a defense attorney who understands how to fight these cases from every angle.

At Hughes Law, we represent clients in all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — as well as in nearby counties and federal courts. We know the system, the prosecutors, and the science behind DWI enforcement. And we know how to win.

Understanding New York’s Drunk Driving Laws

New York’s drunk and impaired driving laws are divided into several categories:

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or showing evidence of intoxication regardless of BAC.
Aggravated DWI: BAC of 0.18% or higher, carrying enhanced penalties and longer license suspensions.
DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired): A lesser offense charged when alcohol or drugs impair driving ability even below 0.08%.
Drug-Related DWI: Operating a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, prescription medication, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Under-21 “Zero Tolerance” DWI: Special penalties for drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or more.

The penalties vary, but even a first offense can include fines, license suspension, mandatory classes, ignition interlock installation, and possible jail time. For repeat offenders, penalties increase sharply, and prosecutors in NYC treat these cases very seriously.

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How We Approach a DWI Defense in New York City

A DWI case isn’t simply about your BAC or what the police wrote in a report. It’s about whether the stop, arrest, and testing procedures were conducted legally and accurately. Many cases fall apart under scrutiny once we examine the details.

We begin by reviewing every piece of evidence: dashcam and body-cam footage, breathalyzer calibration records, arrest paperwork, and witness statements. We often uncover procedural flaws — like improper field sobriety testing or a lack of probable cause for the stop — that can lead to suppression of evidence or full dismissal.

If you consented to a chemical test, we’ll challenge the reliability of the results. If you refuse, we’ll argue for keeping your license and contest the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspension at your refusal hearing.

Every DWI case is different, but our goals are the same: protect your driver’s license, avoid a criminal conviction, and minimize or eliminate penalties.

New York’s DWI Penalties & What’s at Stake

For a first-offense DWI, you could face up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a six-month license suspension.
For aggravated or repeat offenses, penalties may include multiple years of license revocation, ignition interlock devices, and mandatory treatment programs.
Even a DWAI, often thought of as “less serious,” can result in a permanent mark on your driving and criminal record.

Beyond the courtroom, the consequences ripple outward: higher insurance premiums, loss of employment for commercial drivers, and immigration or professional licensing issues. The only real defense is an active one — and that begins now.

Why Clients Trust Hughes Law in New York

New York DWI defense demands skill, preparation, and a deep understanding of the science and law behind these cases. Our firm has handled hundreds of impaired driving cases and built defenses that get results — from dismissals and reduced charges to trial victories.

We work directly with our clients to understand their goals and their lives. We don’t judge — we defend. Our reputation across New York courts rests on preparation, credibility, and a relentless focus on results.

Get Immediate Legal Help After a DWI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested or charged with DWI, DWAI, or a related offense in New York City, contact Hughes Law immediately. Time is critical: hearings at the DMV begin quickly, and early intervention can make all the difference.

Contact Evan Hughes for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward protecting your freedom and your future.

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