White Plains and Cortlandt Offices
Andrew Proto and David Sachs are former Westchester County Assistant District Attorneys and published authors in DWI Defense and general criminal defense in New York. As DWI defense attorneys they will provide you with straightforward legal advice and aggressive representation to fight your DWI charge.
Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP is recognized as one of the best DWI criminal defense law firms in Westchester County and has been serving the community for over 25 years. Get to know Andrew Proto and David Sachs by reading their online reviews and testimonials left by former clients to learn more about what it is like to work with Andrew and David.
New York law recognizes five distinct drunk driving charges:
- DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge is triggered when a motorist registers a .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content BAC level under VTL 1192.2. A VTL 1192.2 charge will also accompany a DWI, VTL 1192.3 charge. That is not a second DWI but a different theory under the law as explained below.
- DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) charge is triggered when a driver registers a .05 percent or higher BAC level (but less than .08 percent) under VTL 1192.1
- DWI Per Se charge is triggered when a motorist refuses to submit to a chemical test and is based upon the officer’s observations of intoxication under VTL 1192.3.
- Aggravated DWI charge is based upon a BAC level of .18% or more. VTL 1192.2(2-a).
- Any DWI as a felony. This includes a prior misdemeanor conviction in the past 10 years, DWI with a child in the vehicle or a DWI that results in serious physical injury or death.
A DWI charge in Westchester County can have severe consequences, threatening your freedom, your financial resources, and your ability to drive. If you are charged in the Westchester County area with DWI it is imperative to hire the best DWI lawyer immediately. As DWI defense attorneys the sooner we get involved the sooner we can take action to protect your interests including your ability to drive and comply with anticipated court requirements.
Call Andrew Proto or David Sachs for a free initial consultation regarding the charges and your options. They are both knowledgeable and experienced DWI attorneys with offices in White Plains and Cortlandt Manor. They also offer virtual meetings. Andrew and David’s career has been focused on successfully representing DWI clients. Their DWI criminal law expertise is invaluable, and their reputation in and outside the courtroom is impeccable.
What to do after a DWI arrest in Westchester County
The police need a reason to pull you over or stop your vehicle. Once the police officer approaches you, they have already started their DWI investigation. You may be given field sobriety tests, including a horizontal gaze nystagmus test or HTN (pen test), one leg stand, walk and turn, the portable breath test (PBT) and/or alphabet test. All to gather evidence of your guilt.
Importantly, you should speak as little as possible when you are pulled over for DWI. Any statements you make can be used against you and your statements can give the police officers probable cause for arrest. Do not make excuses and do not admit to officers that you had any alcoholic beverages. The police are trying to obtain evidence of guilt to help secure a conviction.
Consequences of a DWI Conviction
If you are convicted of a DWI, some of the legal consequences can include, jail time, probation, fines, surcharges, DWI classes, licenses suspension or revocation and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you own or operate.
Collateral Consequences of a DWI arrest and/or Conviction
Collateral consequences can include higher automobile insurance premiums or you may be dropped by your insurance carrier and placed in an assigned risk pool for future insurance coverage. In addition, certain professional licenses can be impacted such as financial licenses/FINRA reporting, teaching licenses, attorney license and medical doctor’s license. Andrew Proto and David Sachs will stand by you and assist you in navigating those outside of court collateral consequences.
A DWI arrest and/or conviction can also interfere with your future education prospects. Some colleges will not accept students or will expel students with a DWI conviction on their record.
Your right to travel internationally could be impacted. For example, you will be excluded from traveling to Canada with a DWI conviction.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or hold DACA status you are subject to deportation for a DWI conviction.
Andrew Proto and David Sachs defend every aspect of a DWI arrest
A DWI arrest and/or conviction carries with it serious consequences. As such you need the best DWI attorney working for you to defend your legal rights, protect against collateral consequences all while simultaneously working for the best possible resolution of the DWI charge against you.
Andrew Proto and David Sachs have an impressive record of success defending clients charged with DWI in Westchester County. Through negotiations with the District Attorney and Court or at trial, they will identify the constitutional, legal, and factual issues impacting your case and consider the possible defense strategies. They work on every front to defend your rights and to discredit the prosecution’s case. They will find the weakness in the prosecution’s case and use it to your advantage.
Hire an Experienced Westchester County DWI Lawyer
Andrew Proto and David Sachs have the required experience to defend you in Westchester County in cases involving DWI and all criminal arrests. Their goal is to fight to have the DWI charges dismissed entirely or to arrive at the best possible plea bargain agreement. Should that option not be available, Andrew and David will compile the evidence and witnesses you will need to go to trial.
Andrew and David will make sure you are kept informed at all times regarding the status of your case and are always available to answer all your questions. They make sure you have all the evidence against you from the District Attorney including 911 calls, police reports and police body camera videos, expert reports, BAC calibration records and any professional complaints made against the arresting officers prior to your arrest.
DWI Lawyers Serving Westchester County, New York
Over two decades of experience defending DWI charges.
Westchester DWI attorney – providing skilled and aggressive representation.
Andrew and David are well known for always going the extra mile for their DWI clients. Call Andrew or David for your free initial consultation (914) 946-4808.