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Will My License Be Suspended At Arraignment?

If you were arrested for DWI in Suffolk or Nassau County, it’s completely normal to worry about what happens to your driver’s license at the first court date. The arraignment moves fast, and the judge will talk about “suspension pending prosecution,” “refusal suspension,” “hardship,” and other terms that can feel overwhelming. Let’s walk you through […]

Will I Need an Ignition Interlock Device?

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in New York, one of the first practical questions that pops up is whether you’ll have to drive with an ignition interlock device (IID). I’m Ed Palermo, and I’ve guided thousands of Long Islanders through this exact concern. Below I’ll explain when IIDs are required, how long they typically […]

What Defenses Exist in a Suffolk DWI Case?

Here’s how I approach building a strong defense in a Suffolk County DWI, drawn from decades in local courts and countless hours reviewing videos, calibration logs, police reports, and testimony. Every case is different, but these are the defense angles I routinely explore to protect your license, record, and future. Driving Was Stopped Without a […]

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, […]