Criminal Defense Lawyers

Why You Should Consider Fighting Your DUI Charge

Many people assume that if they’ve been charged with a DUI, they have no choice but to plead guilty and accept the consequences. But that’s simply not true. There are often many ways to challenge a DUI charge, and the potential benefits of fighting your case can be significant. Here’s why you should seriously consider contesting your DUI charge:

Protect Your Driving Privileges

A DUI conviction in New York comes with mandatory license suspension or revocation. For a first offense, you’re looking at a minimum 6-month suspension. Subsequent offenses carry even longer revocation periods. By fighting your charge, we may be able to help you keep your license and maintain your ability to drive legally.

Avoid Hefty Fines and Fees

DUI convictions in New York carry substantial fines and fees. Even for a first offense, you could be facing:

• $500 to $1,000 in fines
• $395 mandatory surcharge
• $250 annual assessment fee for 3 years

That adds up to thousands of dollars out of your pocket. Successfully contesting your charge could save you from these financial penalties.

Prevent a Criminal Record

A DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record that can haunt you for years to come. It can impact your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, obtain professional licenses, and more. By fighting your charge, we may be able to keep your record clean.

Avoid Jail Time

While jail time isn’t mandatory for first offenses, it’s still a possibility – up to 1 year for a misdemeanor DUI. For subsequent offenses, jail time becomes much more likely. Contesting your charge gives us the opportunity to negotiate for alternatives to incarceration.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Challenge Potentially Flawed Evidence

DUI cases often rely heavily on things like field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results. But these tests aren’t always administered properly or accurately. We’ll scrutinize all the evidence against you and look for ways to challenge its validity.

How We Can Help You Fight Your DUI Charge

At Spodek Law Group, we have extensive experience defending clients against DUI charges throughout New York. Here are some of the strategies we may employ to fight your case:

Challenging the Traffic Stop

We’ll examine whether the police had probable cause to pull you over in the first place. If they didn’t, we may be able to get evidence from the stop thrown out.

Questioning Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are notoriously subjective and unreliable. We’ll look at how the tests were administered and whether there were any factors that could have affected your performance unrelated to alcohol.

Scrutinizing Chemical Test Results

Breathalyzers and blood tests can be inaccurate if not properly calibrated or administered. We’ll investigate whether proper procedures were followed and if there are grounds to challenge the results.

Negotiating with Prosecutors

In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties. Our reputation and relationships in the legal community can be valuable assets here.

Preparing a Strong Defense for Trial

If your case goes to trial, we’ll build the strongest possible defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Your DUI Defense

When you’re facing DUI charges in New York, you need an experienced, aggressive defense team on your side. Here’s why Spodek Law Group should be your choice:

• Extensive DUI Defense Experience: We’ve successfully defended countless clients against DUI charges throughout New York.
• Comprehensive Knowledge of NY DUI Laws: We stay up-to-date on all the latest developments in New York DUI law to provide you with the best possible defense.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We fight tirelessly for our clients, leaving no stone unturned in building your defense.
• Personalized Attention: We treat every client as an individual, tailoring our approach to your unique situation.
• Available 24/7: We know DUI arrests don’t just happen during business hours. That’s why we’re available around the clock to assist you.

Don’t face your DUI charge alone. Contact Spodek Law Group today at 212-300-5196 for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and expertise to work fighting for you.

Understanding New York DUI Laws

To effectively fight your DUI charge, it’s important to understand the laws you’re up against. Here’s a quick overview of New York’s DUI laws:

Types of DUI Charges in New York

New York has several different types of alcohol and drug-related driving offenses:

Penalties for DUI Offenses

The penalties for a DUI conviction in New York can be severe, even for first-time offenders. Here’s a general overview:

Remember, these are just the baseline penalties. Factors like prior offenses, accidents, or injuries can lead to even harsher consequences.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in New York, time is of the essence. Here’s why it’s crucial to contact us as soon as possible:

1. Preserve Evidence: Important evidence in your case may disappear or degrade over time. The sooner we start working on your case, the better chance we have of preserving crucial evidence.
2. Protect Your License: You only have a limited time to request a DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges. If you miss this deadline, your license could be automatically suspended.
3. Build a Stronger Defense: The more time we have to prepare your defense, the stronger it will be. Early intervention allows us to conduct a thorough investigation and explore all possible defense strategies.
4. Reduce Stress: The uncertainty of facing DUI charges can be incredibly stressful. The sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the sooner you can start feeling more confident about your situation.

Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Spodek Law Group today at 212-300-5196 for a free consultation. We’re ready to start fighting for you immediately.

Potential Defenses Against DUI Charges

Every DUI case is unique, and the best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. However, here are some common defenses we may explore:

Challenging the Traffic Stop

Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If they didn’t, we may be able to argue that the stop was illegal and any evidence obtained as a result should be thrown out.

Questioning Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are often unreliable. Factors like physical conditions, weather, and even nervousness can affect performance. We’ll scrutinize how these tests were conducted in your case.

Disputing Breathalyzer Results

Breathalyzer machines can give inaccurate results if they’re not properly calibrated or maintained. We’ll investigate whether the device used in your case was functioning correctly.

Rising Blood Alcohol Defense

Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) continues to rise for a period after you stop drinking. We may be able to argue that your BAC was below the legal limit while you were driving, even if it was over the limit when tested later.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can mimic signs of intoxication or affect breathalyzer results. If applicable, we’ll explore whether any medical issues could have played a role in your case.

Improper Police Procedures

If police didn’t follow proper procedures during your arrest or testing, it could provide grounds to challenge the charges against you.Remember, these are just a few potential defenses. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly review your case to identify the most effective defense strategies for your situation.

The Spodek Law Group Difference

When you choose Spodek Law Group to defend you against DUI charges, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re getting a team of dedicated legal professionals committed to fighting for your rights. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Proven Track Record: We’ve successfully defended numerous clients against DUI charges, often achieving dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable plea bargains.
• Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique. That’s why we take the time to really listen to you and understand your specific situation.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with prosecutors to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
• Comprehensive Approach: We don’t just focus on the legal aspects of your case. We also help you navigate the practical implications of a DUI charge, from dealing with the DMV to addressing any professional licensing issues.
• Clear Communication: We believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case and what to expect next.

Don’t let a DUI charge derail your life. With Spodek Law Group on your side, you’ll have a powerful ally fighting to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.Ready to start fighting your DUI charge? Contact us today at 212-300-5196 for a free consultation. Let’s work together to build a strong defense and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.