DUI

Manhattan DUI Lawyer

Charged with a DUI in Manhattan? Fight Back with an Experienced Defense Attorney

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge in New York can have serious consequences, including license suspension, heavy fines, and even jail time. Manhattan prosecutors aggressively pursue DUI cases, and a conviction can impact your job, reputation, and future opportunities.

If you’ve been arrested for drunk or drug-impaired driving, you need a strong legal defense. Yifei He, a Manhattan criminal defense attorney, and I fight to get DUI charges reduced, dismissed, or beaten in court.

Schedule a FREE Consultation

With a DUi Lawyer by calling The Law Office of Yifei He, PLLC
at 1-917-338-7678

Blood Alcohol Content Laws in NYC

In New York, a DUI/DWI charge is based on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and other factors. Here’s what you need to know:

  • DWI – BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers).
  • Aggravated DWI – BAC of 0.18% or higher (more than twice the legal limit).
  • DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) – BAC of 0.05% – 0.07% or driving impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • DUI for Drugs – Driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs, or controlled substances.
  • Refusing a Breathalyzer – Automatic 1-year license suspension and fines for refusal. Refusing can still lead to a DWI conviction based on police observation
criminal defense lawyer in new york

Where DUI Arrests Happen Most in Manhattan

DUI arrests are common in New York City, especially in nightlife-heavy areas like:

  • Lower East Side & East Village – Frequent DUI checkpoints near bars and clubs.
  • Midtown & Time Square – High police presence looking for erratic driving.
  • West Side Highway & FDR Drive – Officers target speeding or reckless drivers.
  • Financial District & Tribeca – Late-night traffic stops catching impaired drivers.

Even if you were below the legal limit, you can still be arrested based on the officer’s observations of slurred speech, red eyes, or failing a field sobriety test.

How Yifei He Fights DUI & DWI Charges

A DUI charge is not an automatic conviction..

A strong defense can significantly impact the outcome of the case. Yifei He uses aggressive legal strategies to challenge every aspect of the arrest, starting with whether the traffic stop itself was lawful. If police pulled someone over without probable cause, any evidence they gathered – such as breathalyzer results or field sobriety test observations – may be suppressed, which could lead to a case dismissal. Even when chemical tests indicate intoxication, they are not always reliable. Breathalyzers can be faulty, and if testing procedures are improperly conducted, the results may be inaccurate. Similarly, field sobriety tests are highly subjective and can be influenced by medical conditions, poor lighting, or even officer bias, making them an unreliable measure of impairment.

Reducing the potential long-term consequences..

When fighting a DUI charge, reducing the potential long-term consequences is just as important as challenging the evidence. Yifei He works to negotiate reduced charges, such as lowering a DWI to a DWAI, which carries fewer penalties and does not result in a permanent criminal conviction. Alternative sentencing options may also be available, particularly for first-time offenders, allowing for probation, alcohol treatment programs, or conditional licenses instead of jail time. These options not only help avoid incarceration but also demonstrate a commitment to rehabilitation, which can be favorable in court. Whether through dismissal, charge reduction, or alternative sentencing, Yifei He builds a strategic defense to secure the best possible outcome for those facing DUI charges.

Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Manhattan

OffenseLicense SuspensionFinesJail Time
First DWI6 months$500-$1,000Up to 1 year
Second DWI (within 10 years)1 year$1,000-$5,000Up to 4 years
Third DWI (within 10 years)18 months$2,000-$10,000Up to 7 years
Aggravated DWI1 year$1,000-$2,500Up to 1 year
Refusing a Breathalyzer1 year$500-$750None, but automatic suspension

Arrested for a DUI in NYC? Call Now for a Free Consultation.

A DUI charge does not mean an automatic conviction, but you need a strong legal defense. Whether you were wrongfully accused, the victim of an inaccurate breathalyzer test, or simply made a mistake, I will fight to protect your record, your license, and your future.

Speak with our defense attorney by calling 917-338-7678.

Common Questions About DUI/DWI Charges

Can I Fight a DUI Charge If I Failed the Breathalyzer?

Yes, breathalyzers can be inaccurate, and errors in testing or calibration can lead to false results.

Will I Lose My License If I’m Arrested for DUI?

If convicted, yes, but we may be able to fight the charge or secure a conditional license so you can still drive.

Can I Go to Jail for a First-Time DUI in NYC?

Yes, but jail time is not automatic. Many first-time offenders receive probation or alternative sentencing instead.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record?

A DUI stays on your criminal record permanently, but an attorney can help fight for reduced charges or expungement options.

What If I Was Arrested for a DUI but Wasn’t Drunk?

You can still be charged if police believe you were impaired by drugs, medication, or fatigue. A strong legal defense can challenge these claims.

Request Consultation

The Law Office of Yifei He, PLLC

Related Practice Areas


Memberships & Associations