# Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving while intoxicated in the state of New York is a serious crime that carries grave consequences. Authorities have the right to suspend your driver’s license, impose hefty fines, and put you in jail, depending on the details of your arrest.

The New York City and Long Island DWI lawyers at Edelman, Krasin & Jaye, PLLC, can help you avoid a criminal conviction if you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated. Our primary goal is to deliver the highest caliber of legal representation to those accused of DWI — whether a misdemeanor or a felony charge in New York.

## Consequences Of A DWI In New York

New York has some of the country’s toughest laws when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And since driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense, its ramifications are far-reaching. Many don’t realize that a DWI conviction stays on your criminal record for life, which can hamper opportunities for employment, continuing education, and housing. On top of this, a DWI arrest in New York often leads to financial hardships, as you struggle to pay fines, fees for license reinstatement and increased car insurance rates.

- First-time DWI offenders who are over the age of 21 face the following penalties:
- Six-month license suspension
- $500 to $1,000 fine
- Minimum $250 annual assessment fine, for a total of $750 in fines over three years
- Up to one year in jail
- Possible enrollment in a treatment program (with associated costs)

A second DWI charge is considered a Class E felony in New York. Fines can reach up to $5,000 and offenders will spend a minimum of five days in jail, with a maximum term of up to four years.

As of December 2009, Leandra’s Law also makes it a felony and punishable by up to four years in jail if a child (16 or younger) is a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk driver. More than 3,300 drivers throughout New York state have been arrested under this law since it took effect.

For a free legal consultation, call [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429)

## How A Skilled Lawyer Can Help You

No matter the circumstances, being pulled over for suspected driving while intoxicated charge can be traumatic and stressful. Our DWI [defense attorneys](https://ekjlaw.com/long-island-ny/criminal-defense-lawyer/) will ease your anxiety while we strategize a plan to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely in criminal court in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and all five boroughs of New York City.

Request a free initial consultation by calling our Westbury, New York office at [800-469-7429](tel:+1-800-469-7429) or by [contacting us online](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/).

Call or text [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/)

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