DWI/DWAI/DUIs are serious offenses with significant legal,financial, and personal ramifications. They require trained, experienced, and caring professional to work through the process for the protection of theclient and the community.
SCREENING / ASSESSMENT ARE REQUIRED WHEN:
o The courts order alcohol/drug screening/evaluation priorto sentencing o DMV request comprehensive evaluation ( DS-449) o DDP program refer you for evaluation if they suspectalcohol/drug abuse problem. o Your lawyer recommends you having evaluation done prior tocourt appearance.
PLEASE BRING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT: o Court and arrest papers o If your car is seized, car seizure number o Forms that need to be completed o Driver’s records ( obtained from DMV) o Copy of your driving license or other ID o Your payment – cash or money order.
Most insurances do not pay for DWI assessment. Should you require a receipt to send to yourinsurance company, I will be happy to provide you with one.
COURT MANDATED DWI SCREENING – Two or more approved screening instruments (questionnaires) AND URINE TEST FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUGS are used todetermine if you drinking behavior is safe, risky, or harmful. Average time: 1 session, 30-45 minutes. Fee for screening and necessary paperwork/reports/letters - $175. Screening is not covered by health insurance. Urine test is $ 25. Urine test may be covered by your health insurance.
COURT MANDATED DWI ASSESSMENT – Assessment is conducted if the court ordered you to undergo assessment or if screening indicated that your drinking problems are risky or harmful. This is an in-depth interview that includes biopsychosocial assessment, mental health history, collateral interview, and alcohol/substance use history and urine test for alcohol and drugs. Average time – 1 or 2 sessions, 30-45 minutes each. Number of sessions depends on the circumstances of your case. Fee for assessment and necessary paperwork/reports/letters - $ 175 for 1 sessions, and $250 for 2 sessions. Out of state paperwork - $200 for one session and $300 for 2 sessions. Urine test is $ 25. Urine test may be covered by your health insurance.
DMV EVALUATION – (DS-449) FORM - This is in-depth interview that includes biopsychosocial assessment, mental health history, alcohol/substance use history, collateral interview, urine tesr for drugd and alcohol, and the use of two or more approved screening instruments (questionnaires). Average time – 1-2 sessions, 30-45 minutes each. Number of sessions depends on the circumstances ofyour case. Fee for assessment and necessary paperwork/reports/letters -$ 175 for 1 sessions, and $250 for 2 sessions. Out of state paperwork- $200 for one session and $300 for 2 sessions. Urine test is $ 25. It may be covered by your health insurance.
Most DWI offenders do not qualify for the diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence, but still have a drinking problem. These offenders may not need extensive treatment, just a completion of a relatively short education curriculum.
Some DWI offenders have medical problems that contributed to DWI, such as Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Diabetes, and other conditions. It is important toconsult with your attorney regarding these conditions and bring it up during evaluation.
DWI is a criminal offense with significant legal,financial and personal consequences.
Alcohol anddrug related violations in NYS: DWI – Driving While Intoxicated -0.08 BAC (bloodalcohol level) Aggravated DWI – 0.18 BACor higher DWAI/Alcohol- Driving While Ability Impaired 0.05- to 0.07 BAC DWAI/Combination – Combined influence of alcohol and drugs Chemical TestRefusal – If you refuse to takea test it is considered as a violation. Zero ToleranceLaw – a driver younger than 21 years of age 0.02-0.07 BAC
Penalties may include possible jail term, loss of your car,temporary or permanent loss of driving license, fines, and higher insurancepayments. Penalties depend on your age, BAC, number of previous offenses, andother circumstances.
First conviction may result inparticipation in DDP (The Drinking Driver program). It is a 16-hour educationalprogram mandated by the courts in order to receive conditional license.
DWI/DWAI/DUIs are serious offenses with significant legal,financial, and personal ramifications. They require trained, experienced, and caring professional to work through the process for the protection of theclient and the community. 
DWI is a criminal offense with significant legal,financial and personal consequences. 
