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DWI Lawyer Nanuet Felony Trial Acquittal



This case study analyzes a complex criminal defense matter involving allegations of driving while intoxicated within Rockland County.

The defendant faced felony charges due to a prior conviction within the preceding ten years.

Our firm successfully challenged the reliability of the chemical evidence and secured a complete acquittal following a jury trial in Nanuet.

Contents


1. DWI Lawyer Nanuet Arrest and Investigation


The incident began when police officers observed the defendant departing from a local establishment on Route 59 in Nanuet.

Law enforcement personnel followed the vehicle for several miles before initiating a traffic stop near the residence of the defendant.

The officers claimed they observed erratic driving behavior which justified the initial detention.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the arresting officers noted alleged signs of intoxication such as glassy eyes and the odor of alcohol.



Administration of Field Sobriety Tests


The police officers requested that the defendant perform standardized field sobriety tests on the side of the road. 

These tests included the horizontal gaze nystagmus test and the walk and turn test. 

The officers claimed the defendant failed these assessments and subsequently placed him under arrest. 

Following the arrest, the defendant submitted to a chemical breath test at the station which produced a blood alcohol content reading of 0.14 percent. 

This reading is significantly above the legal limit of 0.08 percent established by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
 



2. DWI Lawyer Nanuet Charges and Penalties


The Rockland County District Attorney prosecuted the case aggressively due to the prior criminal history of the defendant.

The indictment included two primary counts under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.

A conviction would have resulted in a permanent criminal record, significant incarceration, and a lengthy revocation of driving privileges.



Application of Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1192


The defendant was charged under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1192(2) for driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater. 

Additionally, the prosecution brought charges under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1192(3) for common law driving while intoxicated based on the observations of the police officers. 

Because the defendant had a prior conviction for a similar offense within the past ten years, New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1193 mandated that these charges be elevated to the felony level. 

The elevated classification significantly increased the potential legal consequences.
 



3. DWI Lawyer Nanuet Trial Defense Strategy


Our defense team formulated a comprehensive litigation strategy focused on the disconnection between the physical appearance of the client and the high chemical test result.

We argued that the chemical breath test machine was malfunctioning or improperly administered.

This approach required a meticulous cross examination of the breath test operator and a detailed analysis of the maintenance records for the specific device used.



Challenging Chemical Breath Test Reliability


We obtained the calibration records and repair history for the breathalyzer machine used in this case. 

Our analysis revealed inconsistencies in the weekly simulation tests performed prior to the arrest of the defendant. 

During the trial, we presented expert testimony to demonstrate that the specific machine produced unreliable data. 

This created reasonable doubt regarding the accuracy of the 0.14 percent reading. 

The jury needed to understand that a machine can produce a false positive result if it is not maintained according to strict scientific standards.
 



Video Evidence and Physical Condition


A crucial component of our defense involved the police dashboard camera footage and the booking room video. 

We played these videos for the jury to show that the defendant appeared steady on his feet and spoke clearly. 

This visual evidence directly contradicted the testimony of the police officers who claimed the defendant was stumbling and slurring his speech. 

We argued that a person with a 0.14 percent blood alcohol content would display significant motor impairment which was notably absent in the video recordings. 

This disconnect served as the foundation for our argument that the chemical test was inaccurate.
 



4. DWI Lawyer Nanuet Verdict and Conclusion


The trial concluded after three days of testimony and legal arguments before a jury in the Rockland County Court.

The prosecution relied heavily on the chemical test result, while our defense emphasized the lack of physical impairment and the potential for mechanical error.

The jury carefully weighed the conflicting evidence presented by both sides.



Jury Deliberation and Final Judgment


The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty on all counts after only two hours of deliberation. 

They acquitted the defendant of both the per se intoxication charge under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1192(2) and the common law intoxication charge under Section 1192(3). 

The successful defense prevented a felony conviction and preserved the liberty of the client.
 



Implications for Future Legal Matters


This victory underscores the importance of challenging scientific evidence in DWI cases. 

It demonstrates that a high blood alcohol reading does not automatically result in a conviction when the physical evidence suggests sobriety. 

The outcome reinforces the necessity of retaining a skilled DWI Lawyer Nanuet who understands the intricacies of New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and knows how to effectively present technical defenses to a jury.


20 Feb, 2026


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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