Law Firm in Manhattan: Dedicated DUI Defense Firm for Serious Charges

The prosecution must establish that you operated a vehicle and that your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or drugs. New York defines impairment as having a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher for drivers aged 21 and older. A law firm in Manhattan examines whether proper procedures were followed during your arrest, including whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle and probable cause to conduct a DUI investigation.

A DUI conviction in New York results in license suspension, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 for a first offense, and potential jail time up to one year. Your insurance rates will increase significantly, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. A DUI defense firm in Manhattan works to minimize these penalties through aggressive representation and negotiation with prosecutors.

Your DUI case begins with an arraignment where you are informed of the charges and your rights. The court will set bail or release conditions, and your law firm in Manhattan will argue for the most favorable terms. Discovery follows, where the prosecution must provide evidence including police reports, breathalyzer calibration records, and video footage from the arrest scene. Preliminary hearings may be held to challenge the sufficiency of evidence, and your defense firm can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

Manhattan courts have implemented specific protocols for DUI cases that differ from other boroughs. The District Attorney's office in New York County is known for thorough prosecution, making experienced representation essential. A law firm in Manhattan understands how local prosecutors handle plea negotiations and trial strategy in this venue. Additionally, Manhattan has specialized traffic courts and criminal courts that handle DUI matters, and your attorney must be familiar with each judge's tendencies and preferences.

Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated and maintained according to strict protocols. A law firm in Manhattan obtains calibration records and maintenance logs to determine if the device was functioning correctly when your test was administered. Officers must follow specific procedures when administering the test, including observing you for 15 minutes before the test to ensure you did not consume anything that would affect results. If these procedures were not followed, the breathalyzer results may be inadmissible in court.

The standardized field sobriety tests used by police officers are subject to numerous variables that affect accuracy. Physical conditions, medical issues, fatigue, and improper administration can all lead to false results. A law firm in Manhattan retains expert witnesses who can testify regarding the unreliability of these tests and explain alternative explanations for your performance. Medical conditions such as inner ear problems, arthritis, or neurological issues can cause poor performance on these tests without any alcohol impairment.

A law firm in Manhattan recognizes that DUI cases do not exist in isolation. Your arrest may involve multiple charges, constitutional violations, or law enforcement misconduct. Our comprehensive approach addresses all aspects of your criminal matter, protecting your rights at every stage of the process.

A law firm in Manhattan should have attorneys certified in DUI defense, with training in the science behind breathalyzer and blood alcohol testing. Look for firms that retain expert witnesses and have successfully challenged prosecution evidence in previous cases. Your defense firm should be willing to take your case to trial if a favorable plea agreement is not available, demonstrating commitment to protecting your interests.