If you’ve been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI), the situation can feel overwhelming. Not only are you facing the possibility of criminal charges, but you also have the added stress of recovering your vehicle, which has likely been towed to a police impound lot.

If you want to get your car back, you’ll need to navigate the towing process and pay both towing and daily storage fees that can quickly become expensive. The paperwork involved in retrieving your vehicle can be confusing and time-consuming, and this is where the expertise of an experienced NYC DWI lawyer becomes invaluable.

Aside from the criminal case, there’s another critical process that needs your immediate attention: the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send you a notice regarding your license suspension. You typically have between ten to fifteen days from the date of the arrest to attend an administrative license suspension hearing. The hearing is separate from your criminal trial and requires your prompt action to prevent immediate suspension of your driver’s license. If you fail to attend your hearing, your license will automatically be suspended.

It’s important to be prepared for your DMV hearing, as the arresting police officer often does not show up at the first hearing. This failure to appear results in an adjournment, and the DMV will reschedule the hearing for a later date. However, if the police officer does attend, it can still be a complicated process. At the hearing, a DMV judge will decide whether your license should be suspended or whether you may keep it.

Appearing without an attorney at this hearing is risky. Defendants without legal representation often face an automatic license suspension, even if there are mitigating circumstances in their case. The process is highly technical and having an experienced New York City DWI lawyer by your side can significantly improve the likelihood of a positive outcome. A skilled lawyer will know how to handle the complexities of both the criminal charges and the DMV hearing, ensuring that your rights are defended and your chances of keeping your license are maximized.

We urge you not to delay in contacting a skilled New York City DWI lawyer to guide you through this challenging situation. Call us today at 917-519-8417 to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand your options and start working toward a positive resolution. You can also use the contact forms below to send us an email or schedule a consultation.