A: Fees vary widely for DWI cases. There are some lawyers who charge as little as $350. I know of one lawyer who starts in the $5000 neighborhood. Most good DWI lawyers charge a minimum of $1000, because of the amount of time involved in reviewing the case and making sure you get the right result, and because of the risk of having to go back muliple times.

Q: What’s the difference between DUI, DWI, and DWAI?

A: DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated, which is either a specific numerical BAC result of 0.08 or higher (V&T Law Section 1192(2)), or a general notion that you’re intoxicated, proven by testimony and other evidence of the nature of your impairment (1192(3)). DWAI stands for Driving While Ability Impaired (1192(1)), and is generally considered to be when the BAC result is higher than 0.05.

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, and is a general term in the US for the subject. The term DUI is not commonly used in the legal system in New York State.

Under V&T Law 1193, first and second convictions for DWAI are violations - they are not crimes and you cannot get a criminal record for a violation. A third DWAI is a misdemeanor. A first DWI is a misdemeanor. Later DWI charges can be felonies.