A Felony DWI Lawyer Bronx is critical when facing a felony DWI charge under NY VTL § 1192. A third offense within 10 years is a Class D felony carrying up to 7 years in state prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides a strong defense.
Understanding Felony DWI Charges in the Bronx
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1192 defines the crime of driving while intoxicated. A DWI charge becomes a felony under specific circumstances, primarily when a driver has prior DWI convictions. Under VTL § 1192.2-a (Leandra’s Law), driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years old is a Class E felony. A third DWI offense within 10 years is a Class D felony. A fourth offense is a Class D felony as well. These charges carry severe penalties, including significant prison time, heavy fines, and a lengthy license revocation. The Bronx District Attorney’s office often pursues these charges aggressively, making it essential to have a Felony DWI Lawyer Bronx who understands the local court system.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bronx Criminal Court | NY VTL § 1192 (official New York State Senate)
For more information on the specific statutes, you can review the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192 (official New York State Senate). The Bronx County Criminal Court website provides information on court procedures and schedules.
Insider Procedural Edge: Handling a Felony DWI Case in the Bronx
In the Bronx, a felony DWI case begins with an arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court. The prosecutor will review the facts to determine if the charge should be a felony based on your prior record. A DMV refusal hearing is a separate administrative process that can lead to an automatic license suspension. The defense strategy often involves challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the chemical test, and the validity of the prior convictions.
- Arraignment: You will be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. The judge will set bail or release you on your own recognizance.
- DMV Refusal Hearing: If you refused a chemical test, you have 15 days to request a hearing to challenge the automatic license suspension.
- Grand Jury: The prosecutor will present evidence to a grand jury to seek an indictment for the felony charge.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, such as the results of a breathalyzer test, if the stop was illegal.
- Plea Negotiations: Your attorney will negotiate with the Bronx DA’s office for a reduction to a misdemeanor or a favorable plea agreement.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to trial in Bronx Supreme Court.
In the Bronx, a felony DWI conviction carries a state prison sentence, significant fines, and a lengthy license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony DWI (3rd offense in 10 years) | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years | $2,000 – $10,000 | Revocation: Minimum 1 year | Ignition interlock, DRA surcharge, alcohol evaluation |
| Felony DWI (Leandra’s Law – child in vehicle) | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years | $1,000 – $5,000 | Revocation: Minimum 6 months | Ignition interlock, DRA surcharge, child protective services involvement |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Felony DWI Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to providing strong, client-focused representation. Mr. Sris’s background as a prosecutor gives him unique insight into how the Bronx District Attorney’s office builds a case, allowing him to identify weaknesses and build a strong defense. This experience is invaluable when facing a serious criminal charge lawyer Bronx clients trust.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide track record of 4,739+ case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While specific case results for the Bronx are not listed, our firm-wide experience demonstrates our ability to handle complex felony DWI cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Bronx Location
Our New York location is accessible to clients at Bronx County courts, located near the Major Deegan Expressway (I-87) and the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95).
We serve clients throughout the Bronx, including neighborhoods such as Riverdale, Fordham, Pelham Bay, Throgs Neck, and Morrisania.
Felony DWI lawyer near Bronx — We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
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Frequently Asked Questions About Felony DWI in the Bronx
Q: Can a first DWI be a felony in the Bronx?
No, a first DWI is typically a misdemeanor. It becomes a felony if a child under 15 was in the vehicle (Leandra’s Law) or if you have prior DWI convictions within the past 10 years.
Q: What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor DWI in New York?
A misdemeanor DWI carries up to 1 year in jail. A felony DWI carries a state prison sentence of up to 7 years. The key difference is the presence of prior DWI convictions or aggravating factors.
Q: How long does a felony DWI case take in the Bronx?
It depends. A felony DWI case can take 3 to 12 months from arraignment to resolution. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the court’s calendar, and whether the case goes to trial.
Q: Will I lose my license for a felony DWI in the Bronx?
Yes. A felony DWI conviction results in a minimum 6-month to 1-year license revocation. You may also face a separate DMV suspension if you refused a chemical test.
Q: What is Leandra’s Law?
Leandra’s Law (VTL § 1192.2-a) makes it a Class E felony to drive while intoxicated with a child under 15 years old in the vehicle. This is a serious charge with mandatory jail time.
For more information on DUI/DWI defense in New York, visit our New York DUI/DWI Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, you may also want to read about our Manhattan DUI/DWI Lawyer services. For other legal needs in the Bronx, see our Bronx Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.