Felony DWI Lawyer Brooklyn, NY

A felony driving while intoxicated charge in Brooklyn threatens your liberty, your livelihood, and your future. In Kings County, where the courts process thousands of criminal cases each year, a conviction for aggravated DWI, second-offense DWI, or driving while intoxicated with a prior felony record triggers mandatory state prison time, steep fines, and a license revocation that can last years. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., brings the perspective of a former prosecutor and experienced multi-state counsel to every felony DWI matter he handles. His team understands how the Kings County District Attorney’s Office approaches these cases and how to build a defense that protects your rights at every stage—from arraignment to trial. If you are searching for a Felony DWI Lawyer Brooklyn, NY, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a confidential consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Felony DWI Means in Brooklyn

In New York, a driving while intoxicated charge becomes a felony when certain aggravating circumstances exist. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192 and § 1193, a DWI is elevated to a felony if the driver has a prior DWI-related conviction within ten years, if the driver was operating a vehicle with a passenger fifteen years old or younger, or if the driver caused serious physical injury or death. Unlike a first-offense misdemeanor DWI, which may be resolved with a conditional discharge or probation, a felony DWI carries a mandatory minimum state prison sentence and a criminal conviction that remains on your record permanently.

Brooklyn, as the most populous borough in New York City, falls within the Second Judicial District. Felony DWI cases in Kings County are handled in the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, located in downtown Brooklyn. The stakes in this courthouse are high: prosecutors pursue these cases actively, and judges have broad sentencing discretion. The legal process can move quickly, and missing a court date or failing to secure experienced counsel early can compromise your defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Brooklyn criminal courts and know the procedural expectations of the court and the District Attorney’s Office.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony DWI Cases

Mr. Sris approaches every felony DWI case with a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts. He begins by examining the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood test procedures. New York law sets strict requirements for the administration of chemical tests, and failures to comply with those standards—such as improper calibration of the breathalyzer or a lack of probable cause for the initial stop—can result in the suppression of key evidence. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands where weaknesses in the state’s case are most likely to appear and how to present them effectively to the court.

From there, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel develop a plan that may include challenging the admissibility of the breath test results, negotiating a plea to a reduced charge when appropriate, or taking the case to trial. In Brooklyn, the availability of diversionary programs, such as the Brooklyn Treatment Court for eligible defendants, can also influence the strategy. Every step of the process—from the first appearance to sentencing—is handled with direct communication between attorney and client, so you understand your options and what to expect.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. Before entering private practice, he served as a prosecutor, an experience that now gives his clients a valuable edge in criminal defense. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey, and he has spent decades representing individuals facing serious traffic and criminal charges. His deep familiarity with New York’s felony DWI statutes and the local Brooklyn courts allows him to craft defenses that address both the legal and practical consequences of a felony charge.

Mr. Sris is supported by Of Counsel attorneys who bring their own experience to each matter. Together, they offer multi-state representation and a firm-wide commitment to thorough preparation. The team is assisted by professionals who speak Spanish and Tamil, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent clients from fully participating in their defense. When you call (888) 437-7747, you speak with a team that focuses on delivering a clear strategy and steady guidance from the first conversation through the resolution of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a DWI a felony in New York?

A DWI becomes a felony in New York when certain aggravating factors are present, most commonly a prior DWI-related conviction within the last ten years. Other triggers include driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, causing an accident that results in serious physical injury or death, or having a previous conviction for vehicular assault or vehicular homicide. A second DWI within ten years is a Class E felony. A third or subsequent offense can be a Class D felony. The classification determines the mandatory minimum and maximum prison sentence, making it critical to evaluate your entire driving history and the specific circumstances of your arrest.

Can a felony DWI charge be reduced in Brooklyn?

Yes, under certain circumstances, a felony DWI charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor or another lesser offense through negotiation or litigation. The possibility of a reduction depends on factors such as the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, the existence of any procedural errors during the traffic stop or arrest, and your prior criminal record. Mr. Sris examines every detail of the state’s case—from the initial police report to the calibration records of the breath-testing device—to identify grounds for challenging the felony enhancement. In appropriate cases, a plea agreement can avoid a felony conviction and its more severe consequences.

What are the consequences of a felony DWI conviction in New York?

A felony DWI conviction carries a mandatory state prison sentence, substantial fines, and a lengthy driver’s license revocation. Beyond the criminal penalties, a conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. The exact sentence varies based on the felony class and your prior history, but even a first felony DWI involves incarceration. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device and meet other conditions upon release. Mr. Sris works to minimize these consequences through every available legal avenue.

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

Yes—given the serious penalties and the complexity of New York’s DWI laws, retaining an experienced attorney is essential if you are facing a felony DWI charge in Brooklyn. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases vigorously, and the procedural rules in the Kings County Supreme Court demand skilled advocacy. An attorney can challenge the legality of the stop, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights at every hearing. Attempting to handle a felony charge without counsel exposes you to unnecessary risk. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris at (888) 437-7747.

What happens at an arraignment for a felony DWI in Brooklyn?

At an arraignment in Kings County Supreme Court, you are formally advised of the charges, your rights are explained, and bail or other release conditions are set. The judge may impose temporary restrictions on driving and require you to surrender your passport. The arraignment is also the point at which your attorney can begin advocating for your release on your own recognizance and set the stage for future motions. Because it is the first court appearance, having counsel present is critical to avoid waiving any rights inadvertently. Mr. Sris attends every Brooklyn arraignment personally when retained.

How does Mr. Sris approach defending a felony DWI case?

Mr. Sris begins each felony DWI defense by scrutinizing the traffic stop and the administration of field sobriety and chemical tests. He looks for constitutional violations, such as a lack of reasonable suspicion for the stop or a failure to properly administer the breathalyzer. As a former prosecutor, he anticipates the tactics the prosecution will use and prepares counter-arguments accordingly. Throughout the case, he communicates directly with you about the status of your matter and explains the likely outcomes of each potential strategy. This hands-on approach helps clients make informed decisions at every stage.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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