Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
How to Choose a DWI Lawyer in New York
Nine questions that separate a lawyer who will work your DWI case from one who will process it. Ask them of every lawyer you interview, including us. Our own answers are at the bottom.
Nine questions to ask
- How many DWI cases have you handled in my court recently? Experience in Nassau or Suffolk DWI courts matters more than years in practice. Each court has its own prosecutors and policies.
- Have you worked as a prosecutor? A former prosecutor knows how the other side evaluates cases and what it takes to change an offer.
- Will you personally handle my case, including the DMV hearing? Ask who will stand next to you in court and at a refusal hearing. Some firms hand cases to whoever is free that day.
- What evidence will you demand, and how fast? Dashcam, body camera, station video and 911 recordings can be overwritten. A good lawyer sends preservation demands right away.
- Will you challenge the stop and the test? Ask how they review the reason for the stop, the field sobriety tests, the observation period and the breath instrument’s records.
- When was your last suppression hearing or DWI trial? Prosecutors know which lawyers will litigate and which will always plead. That affects every offer you get.
- What will happen to my license in the next 30 days? A good answer covers suspension at arraignment, a hardship privilege, a conditional license and, for a refusal, the 15-day DMV hearing.
- What is your fee, and what does it include? Ask whether the fee is flat or hourly and whether it covers the DMV hearing, suppression hearings and trial.
- How will you keep me updated? You should know how to reach your lawyer and how quickly you’ll hear back.
Red flags
- A promise or guarantee of a specific result
- Advice to plead guilty at the first meeting, before anyone has seen the evidence
- No clear answer about who will actually appear in court
- A fee that is vague, or that doesn’t say what it covers
- No mention of your license or the DMV
Our answers
Questions 1–2
Experience
Richard Hochhauser is a former DWI-unit prosecutor who now defends DWI cases in Nassau and Suffolk County courts.
Question 3
Who handles your case
Richard Hochhauser leads every case, and we tell you up front who will appear at each court date and at any DMV refusal hearing.
Questions 4–6
Evidence and litigation
We demand discovery early and litigate it. Our results include DWI cases dismissed after suppression hearings and on speedy trial grounds. See our results.
Questions 7–9
License and fees
We explain your license timeline at the first meeting. Fees are flat and quoted after a free consultation. We answer calls and texts 24/7.
Do I need a lawyer for a first DWI in New York?
A first DWI is a misdemeanor with a license revocation, fines and an ignition interlock, and early decisions affect your license within days. A lawyer can often get the charge reduced or dismissed.
How much does a DWI lawyer cost on Long Island?
Fees vary. Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC charges a flat fee, quoted after a free consultation, so you know the cost up front.
Talk to a former DWI prosecutor
Call or text (516) 939-1529, 24/7. The first consultation is free, in person, by video call or by phone call.
These tools are not a lawyer. We work to keep the numbers and the law on these pages accurate and up to date, but laws, fines and DMV rules change, and some information here may be incorrect or out of date. The results are general information, not legal advice, and using these tools does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always contact a lawyer to confirm the answers and how the law applies to your case. Call or text (516) 939-1529, 24/7.
Our Offices
Garden City Office
1225 Franklin Ave #325
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 939-1529
Appointments Only
See What Our Clients Are Saying
During what was one of the scariest times of my life, he gave me all of the knowledge and support possible to help me get through it. Not only did I end up getting a great outcome for my case, but Richard helped make it a very smooth process and was always there when I had...
Mr. Hochausser worked hard on my behalf.. so hard that he achieved what seemed impossible. He always communicated with me honestly and earnestly, which is rare in any profession these days. He was prepared and forthright every step of the way. I hope to never need his services...
Best Criminal Attorney in New York. Richard explains each detail slowly and carefully so it’s easily understood. He handles each case as if it’s the most important. Highly recommend!
Best DWI lawyer in New York!
Mr. Hochhauser was incredible. I was consulted immediately after the first call. Richard was easy to keep in touch with and would answer all of my emails, phone calls, and even texts regarding my concerns. Guided me through the whole process, made sure I understood everything...
Richard explained the matters of my case thoroughly and was professional and effective in dealing with the charges I was facing, ultimately getting the docket dismissed in its entirety. I would highly recommend procuring his services.
Was in a bad spot but Richard Hochhauser got me great results on my DWI case in Nassau County. Highly Recommend!!!
Can't thank Richard enough. He went aobve and beyond for me. Never had any issues with the law before and he made sure I had no record. Great Criminal Attorney!!!
Was never really in trouble before. And just googled best criminal attorney near me. Feel so lucky that Richard was the one I called. He really fought for me was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!!
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