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What Is Aggravated DWI?

If you’ve heard the term “Aggravated DWI” and wondered how it’s different from a standard DWI, you’re not alone. In New York, “aggravated” means the law treats the situation as more serious because of the way the offense occurred or who was at risk. Understanding those distinctions can help you make smart, fast decisions after […]

Can A DWI Be Reduced To A DWAI In Suffolk County?

I’m Ed Palermo, a Suffolk County DWI and criminal defense attorney with over three decades of experience in New York courts. I’ve represented many Long Islanders who never imagined they would be standing in a criminal courtroom. Sometimes I’m asked after a DWI arrest is whether the charge can be reduced to DWAI. The short […]

What Are the Penalties for a First-Offense DWI in Suffolk County?

In New York, a standard first-offense DWI is usually charged when your BAC is .08% or higher (or there’s other evidence of intoxication). It’s a misdemeanor crime—not a traffic ticket—and it carries criminal penalties, license consequences, and several mandatory add-ons most people don’t expect. Headline Penalties at a Glance If you’re convicted of a first-offense […]

What Happens If I Refused the Breath Test?

You’re pulled over, the lights flash, and the officer asks for a breath test. In the swirl of nerves and second-guessing, you say “no.” Now what? In New York, refusing the chemical test (the official breath, blood, or urine test after arrest) triggers a separate DMV process with its own timeline and penalties—independent of your […]

Should someone take the breath test?

Blue lights in the mirror. A tap on your window. In that moment, it’s easy to feel cornered—especially when the officer asks you to blow. I’ve spent over three decades defending Long Islanders in DWI cases, and this is one of the most common (and stressful) questions I hear: “Should I take the breath test?” […]

What Are the Potential Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Suffolk County?

If you’re reading this, you (or someone you love) is likely anxious about what a New York DWI could mean for your license, your job, and your future. I’ve represented Suffolk County residents in Nassau and Suffolk courts for over three decades, and I can tell you: the consequences are real, but so are your […]

Is DWI the Same as DUI?

DWI vs DUI on Long Island: Understanding the Difference You hear both terms all the time, often in the same sentence, and it’s easy to assume they mean the same thing. In everyday conversation, people use DWI and DUI interchangeably to describe drunk or drug-related driving charges. But if you were arrested on Long Island, […]

What Does a Suffolk DWI Lawyer Do?

If you or someone you love has been arrested for DWI in Suffolk County, you are likely worried about your license, your job, and what happens in court. My role is to steady the situation on day one, protect your rights at every step, and guide you to the best possible outcome under New York […]

Can a Long Island Criminal Attorney Help if I’ve Violated Probation?

When a Probation Misstep Puts Your Future on the Line, Swift Legal Guidance Can Make All the Difference You’ve rebuilt your routine, started a new job, and maybe even begun to relax after the stress of your criminal case—until a single phone call from your probation officer threatens to send everything crashing down. Whether you […]

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in New York?

When a Charge Isn’t Just a Charge An arrest can feel like the ground disappears beneath your feet, but what happens next depends greatly on how New York classifies the offense. You may hear the words misdemeanor or felony tossed around in court or on the evening news, yet the true meaning behind these labels […]