Solving legal problems throughout WNY
Answers You Can Use
A legal problem is stressful precisely because so much about it is unfamiliar. We believe an informed client is a confident client, so we have gathered answers to the questions clients ask us most often, about DWI and DWAI, the DMV, criminal charges, traffic tickets, divorce and family matters, and how fees and the process work.
DWI, DMV & Traffic
Facing a DWI arrest or license issue? Call (716) 631-0004 right away.
Stay calm, be polite, and avoid making statements about how much you had to drink. Write down everything you remember about the stop while it is fresh, and contact a DWI attorney as soon as possible. There are deadlines that affect your license, so the sooner you call the better. We offer free, confidential consultations at (716) 631-0004.
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) generally applies at a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, while DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) by alcohol applies at a lower level, generally above .05 and below .08. New York also has separate charges such as Aggravated DWI for very high readings and DWAI involving drugs. The exact charge affects the penalties and options in your case.
A DWI arrest can lead to a suspension at your first court appearance and, separately, to action by the DMV. In many cases you may be eligible for a conditional license that allows limited driving. Because the criminal case and the DMV process run on separate tracks, it is important to have an attorney address both.
This is one of the most consequential decisions a driver faces, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Refusing a chemical test carries its own license consequences through the DMV, separate from the criminal case, including a refusal hearing. Because the stakes are high, we encourage anyone facing this question to call us and discuss the specifics of their situation.
If you refuse a chemical test, the DMV holds a separate administrative hearing to decide whether your license should be revoked for the refusal. This proceeding is independent of your criminal case and has its own rules and deadlines. We represent clients at these hearings and handle the related suspension and reinstatement issues.
It is often worth it. Points, fines, surcharges, and insurance increases add up, and too many points can lead to a suspended license. An attorney can frequently resolve a ticket by mail without requiring you to appear in court, often reducing the points or the charge. We handle traffic matters throughout Western New York.
In New York, accumulating 11 or more points within an 18-month period can lead to a license suspension. Different violations carry different point values, and the surcharges and insurance effects can last for years. Reducing or avoiding points is often a key goal when we handle a traffic ticket.
Criminal, Family & Fees
Have a different question? We are glad to answer it. Call (716) 631-0004.
A felony is a more serious crime that can carry the possibility of state prison, while a misdemeanor is a lesser offense that can still carry jail time of up to one year, fines, and a criminal record. The classification affects which court hears your case and the potential consequences. We defend clients against both felony and misdemeanor charges.
Yes. While a first DWI is generally a misdemeanor, a DWI can be charged as a felony in certain circumstances, such as when a person has a prior DWI conviction within the past ten years or when other aggravating factors are present. A felony DWI carries significantly more serious consequences, which is why experienced representation matters.
An uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses agree on all the major issues, such as property division, support, and custody, which generally makes the process faster and less expensive. A contested divorce involves disputes that must be resolved through negotiation or the court. We handle both, and we can also help couples explore mediation as an alternative.
Mediation is a process in which a neutral mediator helps both spouses reach their own agreement on the issues in their divorce, rather than having a judge decide. It is generally less adversarial, more private, and more affordable than litigation, and it works best when both spouses are willing to cooperate. Call us to discuss whether mediation fits your situation.
Family Court in New York handles matters such as child custody and visitation, child support, orders of protection, and paternity, among others. These are some of the most personal cases in the legal system, and we represent parents and families in them with the care and discretion they require.
Fees depend on the type of case, its complexity, and what it is likely to involve. We will discuss fees clearly and openly during your consultation so there are no surprises. The initial consultation itself is always free and confidential, so you can find out where you stand at no cost.
Yes. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can understand your situation and your options before deciding what to do. You can reach us at (716) 631-0004 during business hours.
From our office at 5662 Main Street in Williamsville, we represent clients throughout Buffalo and all of Western New York, including the courts of Erie and Niagara Counties. You can see the full list of communities and courts we serve on our Areas We Serve page.
Every case is different. Get answers specific to your situation in a free, confidential consultation.