Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is not a minor traffic offense—it’s a criminal charge with serious and lasting implications. In New York, being arrested for DWI can change your life in more ways than most people realize. At Obedin and Weissman, the focus is on defending individuals throughout Suffolk County and beyond who are facing these life-altering charges. With decades of experience handling—and trying—hundreds of DWI cases, the firm understands the full scope of how a DWI can affect your future.
A DWI Is a Criminal Charge in New York
One of the most immediate and impactful consequences of a DWI is that it is a criminal offense. This isn’t a civil violation or a simple traffic ticket. Being charged with DWI means you will be required to appear in criminal court and face formal prosecution by the State of New York.
If convicted, the offense goes on your criminal record, which may then be visible in background checks for:
-
Job applications
-
Professional licensing
-
Housing opportunities
-
College admissions
-
Immigration proceedings
Many people fail to understand the long-term impact of a criminal conviction. A DWI on your record can follow you for years—if not for life—depending on the specifics of your case. That’s why having a skilled legal team that focuses on DWI defense is absolutely essential.
Loss or Suspension of Driving Privileges
The second major area where a DWI affects your life is your ability to drive. In New York, a conviction can lead to either:
-
License Suspension – A temporary withdrawal of your driving privileges, typically for 90 days when a charge is reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI).
-
License Revocation – A more serious penalty involving the termination of your driver’s license, usually for 6 months or longer after a misdemeanor DWI conviction.
Without a valid driver’s license, basic life responsibilities become incredibly difficult. Getting to work, picking up children, attending medical appointments—all of these everyday tasks are impacted when you can no longer legally drive.
Additional Life Consequences of a DWI
In addition to a criminal record and loss of driving privileges, a DWI conviction can also affect other areas of your life:
-
Auto Insurance Rates: Convictions often trigger substantial increases in car insurance premiums.
-
Civil Penalties: Fines, surcharges, and administrative fees from the DMV can add up quickly.
-
Professional Impact: For people who hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), professional licenses, or work in roles that involve driving, a DWI conviction can jeopardize employment or licensure.
-
Stigma and Personal Relationships: Even beyond the legal system, a DWI can carry a social stigma that affects your reputation in your community or personal relationships.
These ripple effects are why it’s critical to take any DWI charge seriously and consult an attorney who has deep experience in both negotiating reductions and fighting cases at trial.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Obedin and Weissman has been representing individuals accused of DWI in Suffolk County and throughout Long Island for over three decades. The firm’s approach combines detailed legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and an understanding of how to negotiate with prosecutors when appropriate. Whether the goal is to:
-
Get the case dismissed,
-
Win at trial, or
-
Secure a reduction to a lesser charge,
the focus is always on minimizing the short- and long-term impact on the client’s life.
Every Case Is Defensible
No matter how serious the situation may feel, there are always potential defenses and strategies that can lead to better outcomes. These may include:
-
Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
-
Questioning the accuracy of breath or blood tests
-
Highlighting procedural errors in the arrest
-
Identifying medical conditions that could mimic signs of intoxication
It is never recommended to face a DWI charge alone. Without proper legal representation, you risk missing crucial opportunities to protect your record, your license, and your future.
Need Help with a DWI in New York?
Obedin and Weissman is available 24/7 to take your call. If you or a loved one has been arrested for DWI, the firm can provide immediate guidance and next-day courtroom representation. The stakes are high—but you don’t have to face them alone.