DWI Lawyer Bronx — What Are Your Defense Options?
A DWI charge in the Bronx under NY VTL § 1192 is a serious misdemeanor with penalties including jail, fines, and license revocation. A DWI lawyer Bronx from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against these charges. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers 24/7 consultations. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a case review by appointment.
New York DWI Law and Penalties
In New York, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is defined under Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1192. The statute prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (per se DWI) or while impaired by alcohol or drugs (common law DWI). The law also includes enhanced charges for Aggravated DWI (BAC 0.18% or higher) and Leandra’s Law, which elevates the charge to a felony if a child under 15 is in the vehicle.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bronx County Courts | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to NY VTL § 1192 (official New York State Senate site). For court-specific information, visit the Bronx County Criminal Court website.
Handling a DWI Case in Bronx County
The process for a DWI charge in the Bronx involves both criminal court and separate New York DMV proceedings. Your arraignment will be in Bronx Criminal Court. A key local procedural fact is that you have only 15 days from your arrest to request a DMV refusal hearing if you declined a chemical test; missing this deadline results in an automatic license suspension. An experienced impaired driving charge lawyer Bronx can handle both tracks simultaneously.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea in Bronx Criminal Court, typically within 24 hours of arrest.
- DMV Hearing Request: Your attorney must file a request for a refusal hearing with the NY DMV within 15 days to challenge any license suspension.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your DWI lawyer Bronx will obtain all evidence, including police reports, bodycam footage, and calibration records for breathalyzer devices.
- Case Strategy: Defenses may challenge the traffic stop’s legality, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, or the administration of the chemical test.
- Resolution: Your case may be resolved through negotiation for a reduced charge or proceed to a bench trial in criminal court.
- DMV Outcome: The administrative license suspension from the DMV is handled separately, where your attorney may argue for a conditional license.
Potential Penalties for a Bronx DWI
In the Bronx, a first-time DWI conviction carries penalties including up to 1 year in jail, fines from $500 to $1,000, and a mandatory license revocation for at least 6 months.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWAI (Alcohol) | Traffic Infraction | Up to 15 days | $300 – $500 | 90-day suspension | Driver Responsibility Assessment |
| DWI (First Offense) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $500 – $1,000 | Minimum 6-month revocation | Ignition Interlock, DRA, possible IID |
| Aggravated DWI (BAC 0.18+) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $1,000 – $2,500 | Minimum 1-year revocation | Enhanced fines and mandatory IID |
| DWI with Child Under 15 (Leandra’s Law) | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | $1,000 – $5,000 | Minimum 1-year revocation | Ignition Interlock, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your DWI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a record of more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, our approach is built on deep legal knowledge and a commitment to client advocacy. We understand the severe implications a DWI conviction can have on your driving privileges, employment, and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results in the Bronx are not publicly disclosed, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. We have achieved favorable outcomes in thousands of traffic and criminal matters across our service areas. Each case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy case-specific to the specific facts and legal challenges of your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DWI Defense Lawyer Near the Bronx
Our New York location serves clients at Bronx County courts. We represent individuals from neighborhoods throughout the borough, including Fordham, Riverdale, Pelham Bay, Morris Park, and Kingsbridge. A skilled driving while intoxicated defense lawyer Bronx can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DWI and DWAI in New York?
Yes, there is a difference. DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) is a traffic infraction for a lower level of impairment (BAC 0.05% to 0.07%). DWI is a misdemeanor for a BAC of 0.08% or higher or clear impairment. Penalties for DWI are more severe.
Will I lose my license immediately after a DWI arrest in the Bronx?
It depends. If you refused a chemical test, your license will be suspended at your arraignment, pending a DMV hearing. If you took the test and failed, you will receive a temporary suspension notice from the DMV, effective in 15 days. An attorney can request a hardship hearing for a conditional license.
Can a DWI charge in the Bronx be reduced?
Yes, in some cases. A DWI lawyer Bronx may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a DWAI or other non-criminal violation, depending on the evidence, your record, and case specifics. This is a common goal in first-offense cases with favorable facts.
What is the Driver Responsibility Assessment?
It is an annual fee imposed by the NY DMV for three years following a DWI or DWAI conviction. The amount is $250 per year for a DWI and $225 per year for a DWAI. This is also to any court fines.
How long does a DWI case take in Bronx Criminal Court?
The timeline varies. From arraignment to resolution, a case can take several months to over a year, depending on complexity, evidence review, and court scheduling. The separate DMV process has its own timeline.
Related Information: For more on New York DWI defense, see our New York DWI Lawyer hub page. We also assist with related matters like Bronx traffic tickets and Bronx criminal defense.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your DWI charge.