NYC and New Jersey DUI Defense Attorney

New York City and New Jersey DWI Lawyer

New York State has very strict DWI and DWAI laws with harsh, potentially life-changing penalties if convicted. If you’re charged with DWI or DWAI in New York City, it’s important to find an experienced defense attorney who can adeptly defend you and help protect your reputation and your freedom.

What’s the difference between DWI, DUI, and DWAI in New York State?

DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is a commonly used term in many states, but not in New York. In New York State, the legal term is DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated. A DWI means that the driver is legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of at least 0.08 percent. You can also be charged with an Aggravated DWI if your blood alcohol content was .18 or higher - Aggravated DWIs face stiffer penalties than a regular DWI.

A DWAI in New York State stands for “Driving While Ability Impaired.” You can get a DWAI-Drugs for driving under the influence of drugs or a DWAI-Alcohol for driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC of .05-.07. The penalties for DWAI depend on whether it’s a DWAI for drugs or for alcohol.

There is also New York State DWI Zero Tolerance Law for underage drivers. If a person under aged 21 is caught with a blood alcohol content of .02%-.07%, they’ll face a range of penalties and charges.

What are the penalties for DWI in New York City?

Since there are so many potential charges for impaired driving in New York State, penalties and sentencing can be very complex. Often, the penalties can depend on whether it’s a first time DWI in New York, the alleged blood alcohol content, and other factors.

Having a seasoned attorney who knows how to strategize defense options is essential in helping to protect your reputation, career, freedom, and status of your driver’s license when charged with a DWI or DWAI.

The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino practices in Staten Island, Queens, New Jersey, and New York City, and focuses on Drunk and Impaired Driving Defense, including: 

  • DWI Defense

  • DWAI-Drugs Defense

  • DWAI-Alcohol Defense

  • Aggravated DWI Defense

  • Underage DWI Defense

  • First Time DWI Defense

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About Sharon K. Covino

Sharon K. Covino is a dedicated and fierce advocate for her clients. She founded The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino with the core belief that every person deserves zealous and effective legal representation.

Ms. Covino is a former prosecutor who spent over five years at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office. During her time as a prosecutor, she handled cases ranging from high level felony offenses including homicide, rape, robbery, burglary, strangulation, assault, arson, DWI, criminal mischief, to lower level driving offenses and larcenies. She has acquired a wealth of knowledge in handling serious felonies and has established a reputation as a knowledgeable, ethical, and trustworthy attorney. 

Ms. Covino is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in the New York City criminal court system. She focuses on aggressive defense options for her clients’ cases, while offering them compassionate support during a stressful and difficult time. To get in touch with The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino for a consultation, contact us here.


“The many different levels of drunk or impaired driving charges and penalties can be complicated for a layperson to understand, but there may be options for your defense, even when you’ve taken a breathalyzer test. Defendants in these cases need a law firm like The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino: we’re skilled negotiators with extensive experience in impaired driving cases, and we’re fiercely devoted to protecting your rights, your freedom, and your reputation.”

— Sharon K. Covino

What to Expect When You Hire a DWI Defense Attorney

 

We recommend contacting a DWI/DWAI Defense attorney as soon as possible following your arrest.

Once you hire an attorney, they will go over the charges with you and explain the level of punishment each charge carries. Your attorney will also go over the facts of the case and any mitigating circumstances. A good attorney will review your criminal history and discuss possible sentencing repercussions based on your history. When it comes to DWI arrests, your criminal history is especially important because it plays a huge factor on the status of your driver’s license as well as ability to drive in NYS.

Regardless of how serious your charge is, it is important that you hire an experienced attorney who can guide you through the criminal justice system and advise you on any conviction consequences.

If you’re in need of a New York City DWI/DWAI Attorney, get in touch with The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino today.