Felony DWI Lawyer Bronx — Defending Against Serious Criminal Charges
A felony DWI charge in the Bronx is a serious criminal charge under NY VTL § 1192, carrying potential state prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for felony DWI cases in Bronx County. Our firm, founded in 1997, has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
What Is a Felony DWI in New York?
In New York, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is typically charged as a misdemeanor for a first offense. However, certain aggravating factors elevate the charge to a felony. A felony DWI is a serious criminal charge with severe, long-term consequences. The primary statute governing DWI offenses is NY Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1192.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bronx County Courts | New York State Legislature
Common circumstances that lead to a felony DWI charge in the Bronx include:
- DWI with a Child Passenger (Leandra’s Law – VTL § 1192.2-a): Driving while intoxicated with a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle is a Class E felony.
- Multiple DWI Offenses: A DWI conviction within 10 years of a prior DWI-related conviction (DWI, DWAI, or DWAID) can be charged as a Class E felony.
- Aggravated DWI (VTL § 1192.2-a): Operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.18% or higher is an aggravated DWI. While often a misdemeanor, it can be charged as a felony with prior convictions or other factors.
- DWI Causing Serious Physical Injury: If a DWI results in serious injury to another person, it can be charged as a Class D felony (Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 120.03).
- DWI Causing Death: A DWI that results in a death can lead to charges of Vehicular Manslaughter or Criminally Negligent Homicide, which are Class C or B felonies.
Facing a felony DWI requires immediate action from a felony DWI lawyer Bronx. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the high stakes and the complex procedures in Bronx County courts.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New York’s DWI laws, refer to the New York State Senate website for VTL § 1192. For information on Bronx County court procedures, visit the New York State Unified Court System page for Bronx Criminal Court.
The Bronx Felony DWI Court Process: An Insider’s View
The procedural fact for felony DWI cases in the Bronx is that they begin in Bronx County Criminal Court for arraignment but are ultimately prosecuted in New York State Supreme Court, the felony trial court. The process is distinct from misdemeanor DWI cases.
- Arraignment in Criminal Court: You will be arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court, where the charges are formally read, and bail may be set. This is your first court appearance.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The District Attorney’s office will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment, which is required to proceed with a felony charge in Supreme Court.
- Supreme Court Arraignment: After indictment, your case is transferred to New York State Supreme Court, Bronx County, for a felony arraignment.
- Pre-Trial Conferences and Motions: Your attorney will file motions (e.g., to suppress evidence, dismiss charges) and engage in plea negotiations with the prosecution.
- Trial or Disposition: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a jury trial in Supreme Court. A conviction at trial leads to sentencing by a Supreme Court Justice.
- Sentencing and DMV Consequences: A felony conviction carries mandatory sentencing guidelines, including potential state prison. The DMV will also impose separate license revocation penalties.
Potential Penalties for a Felony DWI Conviction in the Bronx
In the Bronx, a felony DWI conviction carries severe penalties including state prison, lengthy license revocation, and substantial fines, making the counsel of a felony DWI lawyer Bronx essential.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWI with Child (Leandra’s Law) | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years State Prison | $1,000 – $5,000 | Revocation for at least 1 year; Ignition Interlock | Ignition interlock for any car you own/operate; permanent felony record |
| DWI 2nd in 10 Years | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years State Prison | $1,000 – $5,000 | Revocation for at least 1 year | Mandatory alcohol assessment; permanent felony record |
| Aggravated DWI with Prior | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years State Prison | $1,000 – $5,000 | Revocation for at least 1 year | Enhanced penalties; permanent felony record |
| Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree (DWI causing serious injury) | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years State Prison | Up to $5,000 | Revocation | Permanent felony record; potential civil lawsuits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony DWI Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a foundational commitment to “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, with a record of 4,739+ case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We approach each felony DWI case in the Bronx with the gravity it demands, combining strategic defense with a deep understanding of New York’s complex DWI laws and the procedures of Bronx Supreme Court.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results in the Bronx are not disclosed here, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. We have successfully defended clients against serious DWI charges across our service areas by challenging improper stops, flawed chemical tests, and procedural errors. Every case is unique, and we build a defense strategy case-specific to the specific facts and evidence of your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony DWI Defense in the Bronx, NY
Our New York location serves clients facing felony DWI charges in Bronx County courts. We provide representation for this serious criminal charge throughout the Bronx, including neighborhoods like Fordham, Riverdale, Pelham Parkway, Morris Park, and Throgs Neck.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Buffalo, New York 14202 Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202, United States
By appointment only.
Felony DWI Lawyer Bronx FAQ
What makes a DWI a felony in the Bronx?
Yes. A DWI becomes a felony in the Bronx primarily through aggravating factors: having a child under 15 in the car (Leandra’s Law), a prior DWI conviction within 10 years, causing serious injury, or causing a death. These elevate the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony under NY VTL § 1192.
Can a felony DWI charge be reduced in Bronx County?
It depends. Reduction is possible but challenging. A felony charge defense lawyer Bronx can negotiate based on evidence weaknesses, procedural errors, or your personal history. Success often hinges on pre-trial motions and skilled negotiation with the Bronx District Attorney’s office to seek a plea to a lesser offense.
What is the difference between Criminal Court and Supreme Court for a felony DWI?
All felony cases start with an arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court. The case then goes to a grand jury. If indicted, it is transferred to New York State Supreme Court, Bronx County, for all further proceedings, including trial and sentencing. Supreme Court handles all felony trials.
Will I go to prison for a first-time felony DWI in the Bronx?
It depends. While state prison is a possibility for any felony conviction, a skilled felony DWI lawyer Bronx may argue for alternative sentencing, especially for a first felony offense. Factors like the specific charge, your background, and the defense strategy all influence the sentencing outcome.
How long will my license be revoked for a felony DWI?
A felony DWI conviction typically results in a license revocation for at least one year, separate from any criminal penalty. For Leandra’s Law violations, the revocation is a minimum of one year, and you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you own or operate.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing a felony DWI charge in the Bronx, you may also want to learn about New York DWI defense generally. For other serious charges in the area, consider reading about federal criminal defense in the Bronx or criminal defense in the Bronx.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your felony DWI charge in the Bronx.