Buffalo DWI Penalties Lawyer
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DWI Charge Reduced
A Canadian resident was charged with a DWI after a Bills game. Arthur convinced the court the test reading was wrong and got the charge reduced, sparing the client a criminal charge.
DWI Case Dismissed
After a woman was charged at a DWI checkpoint, Arthur contested the legality of the roadblock and found procedures weren't properly followed. The DWI charges were dismissed and her license restored.
DWI Charge Reduced
A Buffalo woman was charged with a DWI and blew a 0.23 BAC. Arthur took the case to trial and was successful in keeping the breath test reading from being introduced as evidence. Her charge was reduced to a DWAI.
Highly recommended Arthur pressman. I don’t live in Buffalo New York but while visiting my family there from Florida. I got pulled over while driving on a, suspended license in Florida. They arrested me and gave me a court date to appear in court and due to me living out of state I just could not afford to go back and forth to buffalo from Florida so that’s when I hired Arthur Pressman. He made sure to handle everything for me and kept me informed with what was going on. I received no points no penalties and the case was dropped. Thank you Arthur pressman your the best. Would definitely recommend you to family and friends.
Crystal B.
Arthur Pressman is who you want representing you in court. My son was pulled over and charged with 3 felonies and several misdemeanors. It was a terrible time, with my son arrested and taken to the holding center. I contacted Mr. Pressmant, and it wasn’t long before the felonies were dropped as were some of the misdemeanors. My son is now getting the help he needs. Mr. Pressman is highly respected in the court system. I am very thankful for what he was able to do. We felt like we were living a nightmare but things turned around and got better because of him. He is very professional but also a genuine nice person. I highly recommend him.
J.N.O.
Arthur is a life-saver and I mean that literally not figuratively. His credentials speak for themselves and you can tell you’re in experienced, fair and realistic hands the second you begin your initial consultation with him. He’s not only extremely skilled and talented in what he does but you can tell he has a true passion for it as well as helping the people who are lucky enough to be represented by him.
Highly recommended is an understatement, in my opinion this is the only attorney you need to seek out in the WNY Region if you and your case meet his criteria.
Will C.
Arthur Pressman focuses in the areas of DWI, traffic law and criminal defense.
Arthur is a 1982 graduate of the State University of New York at Albany. He earned his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1985 and practiced with the law firm of Heller & Rubin in Miami, Florida from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, Arthur relocated to Buffalo, where he opened his own practice where he has continued to defend those accused of crimes in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York area.
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Understand the charge
Our Buffalo DWI lawyer explains DWI, DWAI, aggravated DWI, and the possible penalties.
Protect your ability to drive
A Buffalo DWI lawyer can review the court and DMV issues in your case. Read about hardship-license eligibility and underage drinking penalties.
Discuss your next step
Speak with a Buffalo DWI lawyer about the stop, testing, and available defenses. Call (716) 517-4250 for a free consultation.
Understanding DWI Penalties in New York
Protecting your future is why we practice law
A DWI conviction can result in immediate and serious consequences. Drunk driving / DWI penalties in New York are severe and can have a cascading effect on your driving privileges, employment and assets. If you are arrested on suspicion of DWI, you need to contact Buffalo DWI lawyer Arthur L. Pressman immediately. Time is critical, and we are prepared to fight for your rights, even if you have had DWI convictions in the past.
Related Videos
What are the Penalties for Driving While Impaired by Alcohol?
I Was Arrested for a First Time DWI, What are the Penalties?
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What Will Happen If I am Under 21 and Arrested for DWI?
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What are New York’s DWI Plea Policies?
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Know what charges you are up against
Knowing the situations in which you can be charged with a DWI/DUI is important. New York prosecutes those who commit the following crimes:
- Driving while intoxicated: You may be convicted of a DWI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, and you demonstrate other evidence of intoxication.
- Driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI-Alcohol): In New York, you may be convicted of a DWAI-Alcohol if you have a BAC of between 0.05% and 0.07% or if you show other evidence that you are impaired.
- Driving while ability impaired by a drug other than alcohol (DWAI-Drug): This charge can result if you are found to be impaired by chemical substances other than alcohol.
- Refusal to take a chemical test: When you refuse to take alcohol testing by blood or urine, or by a host of other means, at the very least, your license may be revoked and you’ll have to pay a $500 civil penalty.
- Zero tolerance law: If you are a New York driver under the age of 21, you are charged with a DWI if you are found to have any traces of alcohol in your system while driving.
- Multiple DWI convictions: Prior DWIs can lead to harsher penalties if you are convicted. Even a single prior offense can quadruple jail time and double fines.
Arthur Pressman, Attorney At Law helps with DWI matters in these locations: Amherst, Blasdell, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Depew, East Aurora, Lackawanna, Lockport, Tonawanda, Lockport, West Seneca, and Williamsville.
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Consequences to your driving privileges
If you are convicted in the state of New York for a DWI, DUI or DWAI, or for refusing to submit to testing, you may be subject to the following DWI penalties:
- Suspension or revocation of your driving privileges
- Revocation of your drivers license (minimum one year) for refusal to take a chemical BAC test
- Fines of up to $2,500 for a first offense
- Fees and surcharges for a conditional license or new license application
- Fees for any treatment/educational classes
Denying yourself the proper representation may have devastating consequences for your future, especially for multiple violations. Having a savvy, tenacious Buffalo DWI Lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Buffalo DWI lawyer Arthur L. Pressman helps you avoid financial burdens, suspension of your license and severe criminal DWI penalties.
Top Frequently Asked Questions About DWI in Buffalo, NY
Understanding DWI laws and penalties in Buffalo, NY is crucial if you’re facing charges or want to know your rights. In this section, we answer the most frequently asked questions about DWI in Buffalo, NY, covering everything from legal limits and penalties to how an attorney can help you navigate the legal process.
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in New York?
The adult per-se alcohol DWI threshold is .08% BAC, and aggravated alcohol DWI uses .18%. Commercial-driving and under-21 rules differ. Impairment charges can also depend on evidence other than a BAC number.
What are the penalties for a first-time DWI offense in Buffalo, NY?
A standard first alcohol DWI conviction can carry a $500–$1,000 fine, up to one year in jail and at least a six-month license revocation, plus surcharges and other requirements. Ignition-interlock and supervision rules also require review.
Can I refuse to take a breathalyzer test in New York?
A chemical-test refusal can trigger separate DMV proceedings and serious license consequences even without a DWI conviction. The type of test, warnings, notice and hearing findings matter. Obtain advice promptly about the actual paperwork.
What is aggravated DWI in New York?
A BAC of .18% or higher supports aggravated alcohol DWI. New York also has a separate aggravated offense involving an eligible child passenger. The applicable subdivision determines classification and consequences.
How long will a DWI stay on my record in New York?
Criminal and DMV records are different, and a conviction does not simply disappear when a particular lookback period ends. Ask counsel which record, disclosure requirement or repeat-offense rule applies to your situation.
Can I get a conditional license after a DWI arrest in Buffalo?
Eligibility depends on the stage of the case, the license action and your record. Hardship, pre-conviction conditional and post-conviction conditional privileges have different requirements. Do not drive until the applicable authorization is issued.
What is Leandra’s Law, and how does it affect DWI charges?
Driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs with a child age 15 or younger can support a felony charge under the child-passenger provision. The precise offense and proof matter, and a charge is not a conviction.
How can a DWI attorney help with my case in Buffalo, NY?
Counsel can review the stop, testing, observations and other evidence, evaluate legal challenges, discuss permitted dispositions and prepare for trial. The available options and result depend on the case.
What is the difference between a DWI and a DWAI in New York?
Alcohol DWAI and DWI have different elements and consequences. A lower BAC is not automatically an alcohol DWAI conviction. Drug DWAI and combined impairment are separate crimes and should not be confused with alcohol DWAI.
Will a DWI affect my car insurance in Buffalo, NY?
A conviction may affect premiums or coverage. The outcome depends on the insurer, policy and driving history; no specific increase or insurance result can be promised.
What are the consequences of a DWI for an underage driver in Buffalo?
Drivers under 21 may face the administrative Zero Tolerance process for a qualifying .02%–.07% BAC result, as well as separate criminal charges when their elements are met. License consequences depend on the actual proceeding and record.
Can I fight a DWI charge in Buffalo, NY?
A charge can be contested. Potential issues include the justification for the stop, the evidence of operation or impairment, testing reliability and procedural requirements. Counsel can determine which issues are supported by your facts.
Let your next decision be your best decision
Your reaction time is essential, and Buffalo DWI lawyer Arthur Pressman can help you right away. If you or a family member is in need of a DWI lawyer who is familiar with New York state law, contact Buffalo DWI lawyer Arthur L. Pressman at (716) 517-4250 or online. For your convenience, our office is on the subway line, and we offer a free initial phone consultation seven days a week.
Client Reviews
“Could not have asked for better help with my situation. He personally responded immediately to my initial inquiry. Was clear and upfront about the entire process and what the realistic outcome would be. Made the entire process as simple and easy as possible. Good communication. Terrific results. Very fair price. Would use his services again and highly recommend him to anyone in need of his services. Thank you very much Arthur Pressman!”
– Adam McAllister
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