Last Updated on: 18th October 2023, 09:01 am

Brooklyn DWI Lawyers: Your Guide to Fighting Drunk Driving Charges

Getting arrested for drunk driving is scary. Even if you just had a couple drinks and felt fine to drive, the legal consequences can be life-changing. DWI charges in New York are serious business. But with the right lawyer on your side, you can get through this.

That’s where Brooklyn DWI lawyers come in. These attorneys specialize in defending people accused of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while ability impaired (DWAI). They know the ins and outs of New York’s tough DWI laws and can build the strongest possible defense for your case.

New York’s DWI Laws

New York has some of the strictest DWI laws in the country. Here’s a quick overview:

• Legal limit is 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers over 21. For commercial drivers it’s 0.04% BAC.
• Refusing a breathalyzer can lead to severe penalties, including loss of license for at least a year.
• First offense is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail.
• Second offense within 10 years is a felony with fines up to $5,000 and up to 4 years in prison.
• Your license will be suspended for at least 6 months, sometimes up to a year.

Because the penalties are so harsh, having an experienced DWI lawyer is critical. The prosecutors and judges have seen hundreds of drunk driving cases. You need someone equally knowledgeable fighting for your rights.

Building Your DWI Defense

An experienced Brooklyn DWI attorney will carefully examine the details of your arrest and build a comprehensive defense strategy. Here are some of the most common DWI defense tactics:

• Questioning probable cause – Did the officer even have a valid reason to pull you over and have you take a breathalyzer test? Any holes in their rationale can help get evidence thrown out.
• Challenging breathalyzer accuracy – These machines aren’t foolproof. Issues with maintenance, calibration, or improper use can call BAC results into question.
• Seeking plea bargains – For first-time offenders, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal for reduced charges like reckless driving.
• Disputing blood test results – Blood tests can also produce inaccurate BAC levels if not administered properly and promptly after arrest.
• Raising reasonable doubt – Witness testimony, receipts, phone records, and other evidence can potentially show you weren’t actually impaired.

An experienced Brooklyn DWI attorney knows which defenses give you the best chance at an acquittal or reduced sentence. The key is starting the legal process quickly so they can request hearings, gather evidence, and build your case.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters

Some people charged with DWI think they can handle their case alone. But this is rarely a smart move. An attorney knows how to navigate the complex legal system and avoid pitfalls. Consider these benefits of hiring a Brooklyn DWI lawyer:

• Better understanding of technicalities like implied consent, administrative license hearings, plea deals, and sentencing options.
• Immediate focus on time-sensitive steps like obtaining DMV hearing dates, filing motions to suppress evidence, and requesting discovery from the prosecution to view their evidence.
• Experience identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and developing defense strategies.
• Negotiating skills to secure a favorable plea bargain or reduced charges if needed.
• Courtroom experience to present a strong defense if your case goes to trial.

Without a lawyer, you may inadvertently make statements or procedural mistakes that hurt your case. And if convicted, you can face heavy fines, license suspension, jail time, and other life-altering penalties.

Finding the Right DWI Lawyer for You

If you or a loved one has been arrested for drunk driving in Brooklyn, don’t go through it alone. An experienced DWI lawyer can provide the strong defense you deserve. Take time to research attorneys’ qualifications and find someone you feel comfortable with.

Schedule initial consultations and come prepared with questions. Ask about their experience with cases like yours, defense strategies they recommend, and what they’ve been able to achieve for past clients. Make sure you understand what’s involved so you know what to expect.

With the stakes so high, it’s critical to have an assertive lawyer fighting for your rights. The right Brooklyn DWI attorney can make all the difference in getting charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t leave your fate to chance – let an expert build your strongest possible defense today.