DWI Lawyer in Albany, NY

Albany is the Capital Region’s busiest DWI enforcement zone. The convergence of I-87, I-90, and I-787 — combined with a concentrated bar and restaurant scene downtown — means Albany PD and State Police make DWI arrests here more frequently than almost anywhere else in the region.

At Ianniello Chauvin, LLP, we maintain an office at 8 Airline Drive, Suite 101, Albany. Our attorneys defend DWI cases in Albany City Court, Albany County Court, and courts throughout the Capital Region. Managing Partner Matthew E. Chauvin brings six years of prosecutorial experience as a former Saratoga County ADA — insight that directly shapes our DWI defense strategy.

Available 24/7. Call the night of your arrest.

Misdemeanor DWI charges originating in Albany are heard at Albany City Court, located in City Hall, 24 Eagle Street (basement level). Albany also operates a dedicated DWI Court that meets Fridays at 9:00 AM — a specialty treatment court for qualifying defendants that can offer alternatives to traditional sentencing.

Felony DWI cases — second offenses within 10 years or aggravated DWI with prior convictions — are transferred to Albany County Court at the Albany County Judicial Center, 6 Lodge Street.

The I-87/I-90/I-787 interchange at Exit 24 handles roughly 27 million vehicles per year, making it one of the highest-traffic interchanges in New York State. State Police and Albany PD conduct regular enforcement campaigns including sobriety checkpoints during holidays, Super Bowl weekend, St. Patrick’s Day, and summer weekends.

New York DWI penalties are severe and escalate with each offense:

• First Offense DWI: Misdemeanor — $500–$1,000 fine, up to 1 year jail, minimum 6-month license revocation, ignition interlock for minimum 6 months
• Second Offense (within 10 years): Class E felony — $1,000–$5,000 fine, up to 4 years prison, minimum 1-year license revocation
• Aggravated DWI (BAC 0.18+): Enhanced penalties, minimum 1-year license revocation
• DWAI-Alcohol (BAC 0.05–0.07): Traffic infraction — $300–$500 fine, 90-day suspension

Full penalty details: DWI Defense — Ianniello Chauvin, LLP

Our former-prosecutor defense team challenges every element of the state’s case:

• Breathalyzer and blood test accuracy — calibration records, operator certification, chain of custody errors
• Legality of the traffic stop — dashcam review, reasonable suspicion analysis
• Field sobriety test reliability — conditions, officer error, medical factors
• Constitutional violations — Miranda, unlawful search, denied access to counsel

Albany City Court allows plea negotiations, and the DWI Court program offers treatment-based alternatives for qualifying defendants. Our attorneys evaluate whether your case is eligible for DWI Court and whether that path serves your interests better than traditional defense. We also know when to push for outright dismissal or reduction to DWAI — and our prosecutorial background gives us credibility at the negotiating table.

Where will my Albany DWI case be heard?

Misdemeanor DWI cases go to Albany City Court at 24 Eagle Street. Albany also has a dedicated DWI Court for qualifying defendants. Felony cases are handled at Albany County Court, 6 Lodge Street.

What is Albany’s DWI Court?

Albany’s DWI Court is a specialty treatment court that meets Fridays at 9:00 AM. It offers an alternative to traditional prosecution for qualifying DWI defendants, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation. Successful completion can result in reduced charges. Not every case qualifies — our attorneys can evaluate whether this is the right path for you.

Can a DWI be reduced in Albany?

Yes. Plea negotiations are available in Albany City Court. Depending on the evidence and your record, a DWI can be reduced to DWAI (traffic infraction, no criminal record) or dismissed. Our attorneys negotiate these outcomes regularly in Albany courts.

I was arrested on I-87 near Albany. Which court handles my case?

The court depends on exactly where the arrest occurred — which town, city, or village jurisdiction. Arrests on I-87 near Albany may go to Albany City Court, Colonie Town Court, or Guilderland Town Court depending on the location. We handle DWI cases in all Capital Region courts.

Ianniello Chauvin, LLP defends clients facing DWI charges in Albany, on I-87, I-90, I-787, and throughout Albany County. Our Albany office is at 8 Airline Drive, Suite 101. Free consultation. Available 24/7.