DWI Lawyer Brooklyn, NY

Strategy Options for Your DWI Charge

Every DWI case is unique, and the story of your arrest matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will start by listening. Did the officer have probable cause to stop you? Were the roadside tests administered correctly—on a flat, well-lit surface, or on the uneven pavement of a Brooklyn side street? Was the breath-test machine properly calibrated and maintained according to New York State Department of Health regulations?

Answering these questions uncovers the defense strategies that can weaken the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys work to challenge the evidence the state intends to use against you. That may mean moving to suppress the traffic stop itself if it was unsupported by reasonable suspicion, or arguing that field sobriety test results are unreliable when a driver has poor footing, anxiety, or a medical condition. For breath-test cases, we request the maintenance and calibration records for the specific Intoxilyzer unit used at the precinct. For blood-test cases, we examine chain-of-custody logs and laboratory protocols. Every procedural misstep is a potential defense, and our team explores all avenues to seek a dismissal, a reduction to a non-criminal violation, or an acquittal at trial.

What to Expect in Brooklyn DWI Cases

In New York City, a DWI charge is prosecuted in criminal court—unlike a simple traffic infraction, which goes to the Traffic Violations Bureau. If you are arrested in Brooklyn, your case will likely be heard in Kings County Criminal Court or, for felony-level charges, in Kings County Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street. At your first appearance, the prosecutor will announce their plea offer, and you will have the opportunity to retain counsel or seek a public defender.

The process moves quickly. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at every court date, negotiate with the assigned assistant district attorney, and, when it serves your interests, take the case to a hearing or trial. During that time, we also handle the administrative side of your case: requesting a Department of Motor Vehicles hearing to contest your license suspension and fighting to restore your driving privileges as soon as the law allows. Our team stays with you from arraignment through resolution, explaining each step in plain language so you never feel lost in the system.

Penalties a DWI Can Carry

A conviction for driving while intoxicated in New York carries consequences that reach far beyond a fine. First-offense DWI is a misdemeanor, but it still means a criminal record, up to one year in jail, mandatory participation in the New York State Drinking Driver Program, and a six-month minimum license revocation. Even a first-time offense can trigger an ignition interlock requirement. A second DWI within ten years is a Class E felony with mandatory jail time and a longer revocation period. Aggravated DWI—a blood alcohol content of 0.18 or higher—exposes you to even steeper penalties.

Separate from the criminal case, the DMV imposes its own sanctions. A first-offense DWI results in a revocation of at least six months, and the DMV driver-responsibility assessment adds an annual fee of $250 for three years. For drivers with prior alcohol-related convictions, those fees climb and revocations lengthen. A plea bargain to a lesser offense—for example, driving while ability impaired by alcohol, a traffic infraction—can reduce the criminal exposure significantly. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel tirelessly pursue those alternatives when the facts of the case allow.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated his practice on traffic and criminal defense since 1997. He understands the pressure of a DWI arrest and the system you are up against because he once worked as a prosecutor. That experience, combined with the knowledge of his Of Counsel team, allows him to anticipate the state’s strategy and react proactively. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to every DWI matter they handle. Results may vary.

Our attorneys are admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. When you retain our firm, you get a defense team that knows the procedural landscape of the Brooklyn courts, the administrative rules of the New York DMV, and the calibers of the Intoxilyzer machines. You also get support at any hour: our toll-free line, (888) 437-7747, is answered day and night, and we will arrange a consultation to discuss your case—whether you need to meet in person at our Buffalo location or by appointment near Brooklyn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a DWI arrest in Brooklyn?

Write down everything you remember about the stop, the officer’s statements, and the breath test process. Then, contact an experienced DWI attorney. Your memory of the event is most accurate right after the arrest. Request a DMV hearing within the time allowed to preserve your right to challenge any suspension. Do not plead guilty without legal advice—a first DWI conviction has lasting criminal and administrative consequences. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise you on your options when you call (888) 437-7747.

Will I lose my license if I am convicted of DWI in Brooklyn?

Yes, a DWI conviction in New York carries a mandatory license revocation of at least six months for a first offense. The DMV also imposes an annual driver responsibility assessment of $250 for three years. If you refused a chemical test, the revocation period and civil penalties increase. Our attorneys can contest the suspension at a DMV hearing and, in some cases, secure a conditional license or early restoration. To discuss your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the possible penalties for a first-offense DWI in New York?

A first-offense DWI is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine, and a six-month license revocation. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device and attend the Drinking Driver Program. The court can impose probation instead of jail, but the criminal record remains. Our firm works to seek a reduction of the charge, such as driving while ability impaired, to avoid a criminal conviction and minimize the lasting impact.

Can a DWI charge be fought in court?

Yes, DWI charges can be challenged on several grounds, including the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, and the reliability of breath or blood test results. In Brooklyn, officers frequently rely on the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which must be administered following strict protocols. If those protocols are not followed—or if the driver had a medical condition that skewed the result—the evidence may be suppressed. Our lawyers examine the details of your arrest to identify defenses that could lead to a dismissal or a favorable plea.

Do I need a lawyer for a DWI charge in Brooklyn?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, a DWI charge is a serious criminal matter, and representing yourself is rarely advisable. The rules of evidence, the complex science of breath testing, and the negotiation process with the district attorney’s office are difficult to navigate alone. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and advocate for favorable outcomes. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What happens at a DMV hearing after a DWI arrest?

The DMV hearing is an administrative proceeding separate from the criminal case. It determines whether your driving privileges will be suspended or revoked. The hearing officer reviews police reports, chemical-test records, and any evidence you present. You have the right to be represented by counsel and to challenge the suspension. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle DMV hearings regularly and work to keep your license in place while the criminal case proceeds. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your DMV hearing.

Will a DWI in Brooklyn affect my job?

Yes, a DWI conviction can affect employment, particularly if you hold a commercial driver’s license or your job requires a clean driving record. Even a non-commercial DWI appears on background checks and can complicate professional licensing. Our defense strategy often focuses on avoiding a criminal conviction to minimize these collateral consequences. To discuss how a DWI might impact your career, call us at (888) 437-7747.

What is aggravated DWI, and how is it different?

Aggravated DWI is charged when a driver’s blood alcohol content is 0.18 percent or higher—more than twice the legal limit. The penalties are more severe: a mandatory license revocation of at least one year, higher fines, and possible jail time. The court may also impose a longer ignition interlock requirement. Our attorneys carefully review the calibration of the breath-test device used to obtain the elevated reading, because even a small error can push the result into aggravated territory.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.