Felony DWI Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
If you are facing a felony driving while intoxicated charge in Brooklyn, New York, you need a defense lawyer who understands how the Kings County courts handle these serious criminal matters. A felony DWI conviction can bring severe consequences, including incarceration, substantial fines, and a long-term driver’s license revocation. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and represents clients charged with felony DWI offenses at the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation about your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Felony DWI Means in Brooklyn, New York
In New York, a charge of driving while intoxicated becomes a felony when the driver has a prior DWI conviction within the previous ten years, or when the incident involves serious injury or death. The New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) defines the underlying DWI offenses in section 1192, and the penalty provisions in section 1193 escalate the classification based on the defendant’s prior record. A felony DWI can be a class E, D, or even C felony, and it is prosecuted in the criminal courts—not the Traffic Violations Bureau. In Brooklyn, that means the Kings County Criminal Court for arraignment and the Kings County Supreme Court for indictment and trial.
Brooklyn, the most populous county in New York, sees a high volume of alcohol-related driving arrests on the borough’s major roadways such as the BQE (I-278), Atlantic Avenue, and the Belt Parkway. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office handles these prosecutions actively. A felony DWI case can proceed by grand jury indictment in the Supreme Court, or in some instances by superior court information. The procedural path depends on the specific charges and whether the defendant waives indictment. Navigating this process requires an attorney familiar with the judges, court personnel, and local practices in the Kings County courthouses.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony DWI Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take a thorough, evidence-focused approach to every felony DWI case. They begin by examining the initial traffic stop for constitutional compliance, scrutinizing the probable cause for the arrest and the administration of field sobriety tests. If a chemical test—breath, blood, or urine—was administered, they investigate whether the equipment was properly calibrated and maintained, whether the operator followed required protocols, and whether the chain of custody was preserved. Where weaknesses exist, they file appropriate pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge.
Because felony cases in New York can involve lengthy litigation, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore all possible avenues for a favorable resolution. They engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor’s office when that serves the client’s interest, but they also prepare every case as if it will go to trial. They interview witnesses, consult with forensic experts where necessary, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts. Throughout the case, they keep the client informed about developments and available options. The timeline for a felony DWI case varies by court scheduling and motion practice, but the team works to move the case forward efficiently while protecting the client’s rights.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense and traffic law for more than two decades. A former prosecutor, he understands how the state builds a DWI case and uses that insight to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting his deep engagement with statutory law and legislative process.
Mr. Sris is the lead attorney on felony DWI matters in New York. He is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys—experienced practitioners who assist with case preparation, legal research, and court appearances. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. They have documented thousands of case results across multiple practice areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a felony DWI in New York?
A felony DWI is a driving while intoxicated charge that becomes a felony because of a prior DWI conviction within ten years or because the incident caused serious injury or death. Under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, a first DWI is typically a misdemeanor. A second DWI within ten years elevates the charge to a class E felony, while subsequent offenses or aggravating factors can raise it further. Felony DWIs are prosecuted in the criminal courts, not the Traffic Violations Bureau. For a specific charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony DWI charge in Brooklyn?
Yes, you should retain an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are charged with a felony DWI in Brooklyn. Unlike a traffic infraction, a felony conviction carries the possibility of state prison, a permanent criminal record, and a lengthy license revocation. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases vigorously, and navigating the New York criminal procedure system alone is extremely difficult. An attorney can challenge the stop, the chemical test, and any procedural errors. To discuss your case, call (888) 437-7747.
How can an attorney challenge a felony DWI charge?
An attorney can challenge a felony DWI by investigating the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety and chemical tests, and any procedural violations during the arrest. For example, if the police lacked reasonable suspicion to pull over the vehicle, any evidence obtained after the stop may be suppressed. Similarly, if the breathalyzer machine was not calibrated or the officer failed to observe the required 20-minute deprivation period, the results may be inadmissible. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate every aspect of the case for these and other defenses.
What are the possible penalties for a felony DWI conviction?
Penalties for a felony DWI in New York include incarceration, significant fines, mandatory alcohol treatment, and driver’s license revocation. The specific sentence depends on the felony class and the defendant’s prior record. A court may also impose probation, community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device. Because license sanctions are imposed by the New York DMV separately from the criminal case, a conviction can affect your driving privileges for years. Results vary; the outcome in any particular case depends on the unique facts.
Where are felony DWI cases handled in Brooklyn?
Felony DWI cases in Brooklyn are heard in the Kings County Criminal Court for arraignment and in the Kings County Supreme Court for indictment and trial. The Supreme Court is located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. While the New York Traffic Violations Bureau processes minor traffic tickets, felony criminal charges require appearances in criminal court before a judge. Our firm regularly appears in these courts and is prepared to represent clients through every stage of the proceeding.
How long does a felony DWI case take to resolve?
The timeline for a felony DWI case varies depending on court scheduling, motion practice, and whether the case goes to trial. A straightforward plea may resolve in a few months, while a contested case with suppression hearings and a trial could take a year or more. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the case forward while ensuring the client’s rights are protected at each stage. For a better estimate based on your situation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Our traffic defense practice also serves: New York County (Manhattan) Traffic Lawyer · Queens County Traffic Lawyer · Richmond County Traffic Lawyer · Nassau County Traffic Lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.