Felony DWI is a serious charge. You need serious representation.

In New York State, most DWIs are considered misdemeanor offenses. However, there are some cases where the level of the driving while intoxicated charge is elevated to a felony. When it comes to felony DWI, the charges are more serious, the fines are higher and the punishments are more severe.

You can be charged with a felony DWI if you:

  • Have been convicted of a previous DWI in the last 10 years
  • Are arrested for driving while intoxicated with a passenger in the vehicle under age 16

If you’ve been charged with felony DWI in Buffalo, NY you need an experienced legal team. Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria has earned a top-tier ranking in Criminal Defense by U.S. News and World Report. The lawyers at Lipsitz Green have in-depth knowledge of a client’s rights, the potential penalties that may arise and the possible weaknesses in the charges against you. This is especially important in defending felony DWI Cases.

Don’t face felony DWI penalties alone. Talk to Lipsitz Green.

If you are convicted of a felony DWI in Buffalo, NY you will be subjected to a variety of penalties, including loss of your driver license, hefty fines and possible jail time. Here are just some of the consequences you can expect to face:

Felony alcohol and drug-related violations

Violation Mandatory Fine Maximum
Jail Term
Mandatory Driver License Action
Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (AGG DWI) $1,000 – $2,500 1 year Revoked for at least one year
Second AGG DWI in 10 years (E felony) $1,000 – $5,000 4 years Revoked for at least 18 months
Third AGG DWI in 10 years (D felony) $2,000 – $10,000 7 years Revoked for at least 18 months
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Impaired by a Drug (DWAI-Drug) $500 – $1,000 1 year DWI – Revoked for at least six months
DWAI-Drug – Suspended for at least six months
Second DWI or DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years (E felony) $1,000 – $5,000 4 years Revoked for at least one year
Third DWI or DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years (D felony) $2,000 – $10,000 7 years Revoked for at least one year
Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Alcohol/Drugs (DWAI-Combination) $500 – $1,000 1 year Revoked for at least six months
Second DWAI-Combination in 10 years (E felony) $1,000 – $5,000 4 years Revoked for at least one year
Third DWAI-Combination in 10 years (D felony) $2,000 – $10,000 7 years Revoked for at least one year
Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI) $300 – $500 15 days Suspended for 90 days
Second DWAI violation in five years $500 – $750 30 days Revoked for at least six months
Third or subsequent DWAI within 10 years (misdemeanor) $750 – $1,500 180 days Revoked for at least six months
Zero Tolerance Law violation $125 civil penalty and $100 fee to terminate suspension None Suspended for six months
Second Zero Tolerance Law violation $125 civil penalty and $100 re-application fee None Revoked for one year or until age 21
Chemical Test Refusal $500 civil penalty ($550 for commercial drivers) None Revoked for at least one year, 18 months for commercial drivers
Chemical Test Refusal within five years of a previous DWI-related charge/Chemical Test Refusal $750 civil penalty None Revoked for at least 18 months, one year or until age 21 for drivers under age 21, permanent CDL revocation for commercial drivers
Chemical Test Refusal –
Zero Tolerance Law
$300 civil penalty and $100 re-application fee None Revoked for at least one year
Chemical Test Refusal –
Second or subsequent Zero Tolerance Law
$750 civil penalty and $100 re-application fee None Revoked for at least one year
Driving Under the Influence  (Out-of-State) N/A N/A Revoked for at least 90 days; if less than 21 years of age, revoked at least one year
Driving Under the Influence  (Out-of State) with any previous alcohol-drug violation N/A N/A Revoked for at least 90 days (longer term with certain prior offenses); if less than 21 years of age, revoked at least one year or until age 21 (longest term)