Staten Island Multiple DUI Attorney

Defending Clients Facing Repeat DWI, DUI & DWAI Charges in New York

Being arrested for driving under the influence once is overwhelming enough—but facing multiple DUI or DWI charges in New York puts you at risk of life-changing penalties. Whether this is your second, third, or subsequent offense, New York courts, prosecutors, and the DMV take repeat violations extremely seriously. Convictions can lead to mandatory jail time, long-term license revocation, steep fines, ignition interlock requirements, and the permanent stigma of a criminal record.

At The Law Offices of Helene Mark, we understand how devastating these charges can be for you and your family. As a seasoned Staten Island criminal defense attorney who has spent decades navigating New York’s complex Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), Attorney Helene Mark provides strategic, aggressive representation designed to protect your rights and your future. If you’ve been arrested for another DUI, DWI, or DWAI offense, you cannot afford to face the system alone.

Start discussing your defense with The Law Offices of Helene Mark at (646) 891-1329. We stand with you at every step.

Understanding Multiple DUI / DWI Offenses in New York

New York uses several classifications for alcohol- and drug-related driving crimes, including DUI, DWI, DWAI, Aggravated DWI, and more. These offenses fall under VTL 1192, and penalties become significantly more severe with each additional conviction within a ten-year period.

Types of Alcohol- and Drug-Related Driving Offenses

New York recognizes multiple impaired-driving violations, including:

• DWAI/Alcohol: BAC of .05 to .07 (or signs of impairment)
• DWI Per Se: BAC of .08 or higher
• DWI Common Law: Intoxication based on officer observations
• DWAI/Drugs: Impairment due to a single drug
• DWAI/Combination: Impairment from drugs and alcohol
• Aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher

Even a first offense carries significant consequences, but repeat offenses escalate dramatically and often involve felony charges.

Penalties for Multiple DUIs in New York

Second DUI Offense

A second DWI, DWAI/Drug, or DWAI/Combination offense within ten years is a Class E felony, punishable by:

• License revocation for at least one year
• Fines from $1,000 to $5,000
• Up to 4 years in prison
• A mandatory ignition interlock device
• Permanent criminal record (cannot be expunged)

A second Aggravated DWI offense carries similar penalties, with revocation increased to 18 months.

Third DUI Offense

A third impaired-driving offense is even more severe:

• Third DWAI/Alcohol: Misdemeanor; 6-month revocation, fines up to $1,000, and up to 180 days in jail
• Third DWI, DWAI/Drug, or DWAI/Combination: Class E felony with:
  • License revocation for at least one year
  • $2,000 to $10,000 in fines
  • Up to 7 years in prison
• Third Aggravated DWI: Class E felony, 18-month revocation, fines of $2,000 to $10,000, up to 7 years in prison

Multiple DUI convictions also commonly result in:

• Mandatory Impaired Driver Program (IDP) enrollment
• Ignition interlock device installation
• Higher insurance premiums
• Additional DMV civil penalties
• Permanent criminal record with no expungement option

These penalties vary depending on BAC level, age, license status, prior record, chemical test refusal, and aggravating factors such as accidents, injuries, or children in the vehicle.

Why You Should Never Handle Multiple DUI Charges Alone

A repeat DUI arrest puts your freedom, career, and future at stake. Without the help of an experienced Staten Island multiple DUI attorney, you risk:

• Felony conviction
• Permanent loss of driving privileges
• Long-term incarceration
• Employment consequences
• Immigration complications, including deportation
• Loss of professional licenses (healthcare, education, law, finance, etc.)
• Loss of the right to own firearms
• Barriers to housing, loans, and child custody

Attorney Helene Mark examines every detail of your case, including whether law enforcement followed required procedures, whether the traffic stop was lawful, and whether breath or blood tests were properly administered. These details often determine whether charges can be reduced or dismissed.

Defense Strategies for Multiple DUI Charges

To fight multiple DUI allegations, we strategically review the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses, and build a defense tailored to your circumstances.

Common Defense Approaches Include:

• Challenging the BAC test results: Disputing the results of BAC tests due to calibration errors, improper administration, or medical conditions that could affect readings.
• Challenging the traffic stop: Arguing that officers lacked reasonable suspicion or made an unlawful arrest.
• Discrediting officer testimony: Pointing out when observations are inconsistent or when standard protocols were not followed.
• Identifying procedural violations: Comparing procedure to what happened can sometimes reveal improperly conducted field sobriety tests or mishandling of chemical samples.
• Examining video evidence: Reviewing video evidence—such as bodycam or dashcam footage that contradicts police reports—can play a critical role in undermining the prosecution’s case.

In some cases, we negotiate for:

• Reduced charges (DWAI instead of DWI)
• Alternatives to jail (probation, treatment programs, community service)
• Conditional licenses
• Enrollment in alcohol treatment programs

Every repeat DUI case is unique. Attorney Helene Mark provides the focused, individualized defense needed to pursue the most favorable outcome possible.