Highly Experienced Drunk Driving Attorney

Effective November 6, 2024, any individual convicted of an impaired driving offense (VTL §1192) will be assessed 11 points to their driving record. Previously, such convictions carried 0 points. Any conviction under §511 of the VTL (Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Facilitating Unlicensed Operation) will also be assessed 11 points.

Any motorist who accumulates 11 points within 24 months, the motorist may be subject to attend a DMV “habitual or persistent violator” hearing and may be subject to further suspension or revocation. There is one small saving grace is that if the 11 points or more are the result of one single event, DMV will not require a hearing.

Additionally, motorists convicted of DWI/DWAI offenses or refusing to submit to a chemical test will also be responsible to pay the Driver Responsibility Assessment ($750) but will also now be required to pay an additional fee to DMV of at least $675 on top of any fines and surcharges due the Court.

There are also changes as to how Youthful Offender status is now affected on an individual’s driving record.

Lastly and very crucial, DMV will now administratively revoke any motorist’s license for LIFE if they have four or more alcohol or drug related convictions in their lifetime!

There are additional changes as well, but these are the most critical ones as they related to impaired driving offenses.

Now more than ever, a motorist charged with any impaired driving offense or unlicensed operation will require the best legal representation available.

Absolutely. At Fiandach & Fiandach, we specialize in criminal law, particularly DWI, Vehicular Homicide, and Vehicular Assault cases. Ed Fiandach has handled a wide range of criminal cases and is Board Certified by the American Bar Association in DUI/DWI law.

DWI defense is not simply one part of what we do—it is the focus of Mr. Fiandach’s life. Since 1979, Ed Fiandach has handled thousands of DWI cases and developed extensive experience with the legal, scientific, and technical issues these cases can involve. We bring that focused knowledge to every case we evaluate.

Our firm has been defending DWI cases since 1979 and has handled more than 4,000 DWI matters. Mr. Fiandach brings decades of combined criminal trial experience to cases ranging from misdemeanor DWI charges to complex felony DWI and vehicular homicide.

Obviously, our practice includes complex DWI and related vehicular crime cases, including felony DWI matters and cases involving serious allegations. These cases can require detailed investigation, scientific analysis, motion practice, negotiation, and trial preparation. Mr. Fiandach approaches each case according to its specific facts and circumstances.

Yes. Trial advocacy has been a central part of our practice for decades. Mr. Fiandach prepares cases with careful attention to the evidence, legal issues, and potential defenses rather than assuming every matter should follow the same path. When litigation or trial is appropriate, Mr. Fiandach has substantial courtroom experience to draw upon.

Our practice is deliberately focused on DWI defense and related vehicular crimes. We believe concentrating on this area allows us to develop the legal, scientific, and courtroom knowledge these cases often demand. If you are unsure whether your particular charge falls within our practice, contact us to discuss the circumstances of your case.

Mr. Fiandach will personally be handling each client’s case, however, for minor court appearances such as an arraignment or motion argument, an attorney associated with the firm maybe appearing on his behalf.  Rest assured, he will be doing all negotiations and should your case go to trial, he will be personally trying the case. Edward L. Fiandach’s experience and leadership are important parts of the firm, but our broader legal team also brings substantial DWI defense experience.

Every person must decide what type of representation is right for them. DWI cases, however, can involve issues that extend beyond general criminal law, including chemical testing, breath-testing technology, blood analysis, field sobriety testing, and New York-specific DWI statutes. Our practice is structured around those issues.

No attorney can responsibly guarantee a particular result. DWI cases depend on their individual facts, evidence, procedural history, applicable law, and other circumstances. What we can do is carefully evaluate the case, identify relevant legal and evidentiary issues, explain the available options, and develop a defense strategy based on that analysis.

Your case affects your life, so understanding your options matters. Our role is to analyze the legal and evidentiary issues, explain their significance, answer your questions, and advise you about potential courses of action. Important decisions about the direction of your case are made with you, not simply for you.