DWI Defense Lawyers in NY

Charged With Driving While Ability Impaired?

In New York, the term driving while ability impaired (DWAI) is used to refer to several different alcohol- and drug-related driving offenses. If you've been charged with a New York DWAI offense, a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand the charges against you.

At Anelli Xavier, PC, every lawyer has the depth of skill and training to effectively defend clients against New York DWAI charges. No matter where you are charged in New York State, we are confident our firm will give you the best possible outcome due to our extensive training and sole focus on DWI Defense. Contact us today to discuss your charges.

Understanding Alcohol-Related DWAI Charges

If you are convicted of driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI/Alcohol), you could get up to 15 days in jail and a fine of between $300 and $600, as well as 90 days' driver's license suspension. There are several types of evidence prosecutors can use to prove DWAI/Alcohol.

• Blood alcohol content (BAC): If a breath test shows that your BAC was at least .05 and less than the .08 required for a DWI charge, you can be charged with DWAI.
• Other evidence of impairment: Even if the prosecutors do not have a BAC reading that they can use against you, they may have witnesses who will say that you drank before getting into the car and then drove erratically or other evidence of impairment.

Although DWAI/Alcohol may seem like a relatively minor charge, most insurance companies treat it the same as a regular DWI, meaning your rates are likely to go up if you are convicted. It is important to talk to a lawyer about your DWAI defense options.

What Do DWAI/Drugs and DWAI/Combination Mean?

Driving while ability impaired by a single illegal or prescription drug (DWAI/Drug) or by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol (DWAI/Combination) are classified as DWAI offenses, but the penalties for these offenses are actually much more serious than for DWAI/Alcohol.

If you are convicted of DWAI/Drug or DWAI/Combination, your penalties will be the same as if you were convicted of DWI. If you have been accused of any DWAI offense in New York, you should contact an attorney right away to make sure your rights are protected.