Buffalo DWI Penalties Lawyer
Do You Need Legal Help?
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 lisence 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.
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.
Download our DWI Guide
Enter your information below
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?
What Happens if I was Arrested for DWI with Prior Convictions?
What Will Happen If I am Under 21 and Arrested for DWI?
Will an Open Container Affect my DWI Charge?
Can I Get a DWI from Prescription Medications?
What are New York’s DWI Plea Policies?
What are the Differences Between DWI and DWAI?
Can I Get a Marijuana DWI Charge?
What Happens if I Get Into a DWI Accident?
What Happens If I Was Charged with Driving While Impaired?
Can I Waive An Appearance For A DWI Arraignment?
What Happens if I Get a DWI With Kids in the Car?
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, and Williamsville.
Blog Posts
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.
In New York, the legal BAC limit for drivers aged 21 and over is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, New York has a “zero tolerance” law, with a BAC limit of 0.02%.
Penalties for a first-time DWI offense can include fines between $500 and $1,000, up to one year in jail, a minimum six-month driver’s license suspension, and possible mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
Yes, but refusing a breathalyzer test can result in immediate consequences, such as a one-year driver’s license suspension and fines of up to $500. Refusal can also be used as evidence against you in court.
Aggravated DWI occurs when a driver’s BAC is 0.18% or higher. The penalties for aggravated DWI are more severe than for a standard DWI and can include higher fines, longer jail time, and extended license suspension.
A DWI conviction will remain on your driving record for at least 10 years.
Yes, in some cases, you may be eligible for a conditional license, which allows you to drive to and from work, school, or medical appointments. However, you must enroll in the Drinking Driver Program (DDP) to qualify.
Leandra’s Law makes it an automatic felony to drive while intoxicated with a child age 15 or younger in the vehicle. The penalties include severe fines, jail time, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
A skilled DWI attorney can analyze the evidence, challenge the legality of the traffic stop or testing procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and work to reduce or dismiss charges.
A DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a more serious charge and applies when a driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher. A DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) can be charged when a driver’s BAC is between 0.05% and 0.07%. DWAI carries lighter penalties but can still affect your driving record and insurance rates.
Yes, a DWI conviction will likely lead to a significant increase in your car insurance premiums. Some insurance companies may even cancel your policy altogether.
New York’s “Zero Tolerance” law applies to drivers under 21 who are caught with a BAC between 0.02% and 0.07%. Penalties may include a six-month license suspension, fines, and mandatory participation in an alcohol education program.
Yes, it is possible to challenge a DWI charge by questioning the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results, or whether law enforcement followed proper procedures.
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.