Underage DWI

Underage DWI Attorney in Manhattan

A Zero Tolerance Charge Doesn't Have to Ruin Your Life—Call Raiser Kenniff, & Lonstein

If your child or a young family member has been arrested for drunk driving in Manhattan, you are likely worried about what happens next and how this will affect their future. At Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein, we help families facing underage DWI charges and guide them through every stage of the process.

Our team includes former prosecutors, and together we have more than 100 years of combined criminal law experience. We use that background to evaluate the evidence, anticipate how the case may be handled in court, and work to protect the youth’s record and opportunities. We also limit the number of clients we accept so we can give each case the close attention it needs.

Protect your child's future by speaking with an underage DWI attorney in Manhattan who knows how to fight back. Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein offers the expertise of a former prosecutor and a top-rated team to handle your case. Call us at (888) 646-0025 or contact us online for a risk-free consultation today.

Understanding Underage DWI Laws in Manhattan

New York’s approach to underage drinking and driving is multi-tiered. Most underage cases fall under the Zero Tolerance Law (VTL § 1192-a). This law applies to any driver under 21 who operates a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) between .02% and .07%. Unlike standard DWI charges, a Zero Tolerance violation is technically a civil offense rather than a criminal one, but the consequences are nonetheless severe and are handled through a DMV administrative hearing.

However, if an underage driver’s BAC is .08% or higher, the "civil" protections of the Zero Tolerance Law disappear. In these instances, the individual is charged with a standard DWI (VTL § 1192.2 or 1192.3), which is a misdemeanor crime. If the BAC is .05% to .07%, the officer also has the discretion to charge DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), which is a traffic infraction that carries potential jail time.

It is also important to note that New York’s "Leandra’s Law" applies to underage drivers. If a person under 21 is driving while intoxicated with a passenger aged 15 or younger, they will be charged with a Class E felony, even for a first offense. Navigating these overlapping statutes requires the precision of an experienced underage DWI attorney in Manhattan who can fight to keep the case in the civil realm or seek a total dismissal.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Underage Convictions in New York

When a person is under 16, certain driving-related conduct may be handled in New York County Family Court as a juvenile delinquency case. Older teens and drivers under 21 are usually prosecuted in criminal court under laws that include both traditional DWI standards and special rules for younger drivers. In Manhattan, many criminal DWI charges are heard in Manhattan Criminal Court.

The penalties for an underage DWI attorney in Manhattan case depend heavily on your BAC level and whether the charge is civil or criminal.

Zero Tolerance Violations (.02% - .07% BAC): These carry a mandatory 6-month license suspension, a $125 civil penalty, and a $100 fee to terminate the suspension.
Criminal DWI (.08% or higher): As a misdemeanor, this can lead to up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a minimum one-year license revocation.
Chemical Test Refusal: If you are under 21 and refuse a breathalyzer, your license is automatically revoked for at least one year, and you will face a $300 civil penalty—even if you are eventually found "not guilty" of the DWI itself.

The Hidden "Collateral" Costs

The legal fines are often the least of a young person’s worries. A record of an alcohol-related driving offense can result in:

Academic Discipline: Many New York City universities have "Code of Conduct" policies that trigger disciplinary hearings or suspension for students arrested for DWI.
Employment Barriers: Background checks for internships and entry-level jobs in finance, law, or medicine can be derailed by a criminal conviction.
Insurance Spikes: Your auto insurance rates may triple, or your policy may be canceled entirely, making it nearly impossible to afford to drive once your license is restored.
Travel Restrictions: A criminal DWI conviction can prevent you from participating in study-abroad programs in countries with strict entry requirements, such as Canada.

Continue Reading Read Less

Why We're the Right Choice

Attentive Service. Strategic Defense.

Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

Personalized Legal Strategy
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every case is handled with a custom legal approach tailored to your goals, your circumstances, and your future.
Risk-Free Consultation

We offer a risk-free evaluation of your case and are here to help you understand your legal options. We are available 24/7, day or night, to help you.
Top-Rated Team

Nationally recognized for results. Our attorneys have been ranked among the best in the U.S., Trusted for their strategy, skill, and relentless client advocacy
Former Prosecutors
Our founding partners are both former New York prosecutors who bring unique experience and insights to every case, especially when it comes to going to trial.

What To Do After An Underage DWI Arrest

Parents often first learn of the situation through a call from police or their child. It is understandable to feel angry, scared, or confused. Try to stay calm and gather basic details, such as where the youth is being held, which officer is involved, and whether a desk appearance ticket or specific court date has been given. Save any paperwork and write down what you are told while it is fresh in your mind.

The young person may want to explain what happened. It is generally safer for them not to discuss details of the incident with police or other officials until they have spoken with an attorney. There may be legal issues with the stop or testing that are not obvious at first. A lawyer can advise on when, if at all, it is helpful for the youth to provide a statement.

After an underage DWI arrest, helpful steps can include:

Contacting a defense attorney as soon as possible so you can get specific guidance for your situation.
Keeping all paperwork, tickets, and notices related to the arrest and any scheduled court date.
Advising your child not to post about the incident on social media or discuss it with friends in detail.
Preparing practical information for your lawyer, such as school status, employment, and any prior legal history.
Attending the first court appearance and arriving early so you have time to find the correct courtroom.

Our attorneys regularly help families whose cases are scheduled in Manhattan Criminal Court. When you contact us, we can explain what typically happens at arraignment, discuss what to expect from the judge, and help you plan for transportation and timing.

We are available 24/7, so you do not need to wait until the next business day to get answers. When you work with an underage DWI attorney in Manhattan, you gain a guide through each immediate step, not just a representative for later hearings.

Continue Reading Read Less

a Reputation For excellence

Read Our Client Testimonials

They treated me wonderfully and helped me out of a bind. I feel that this firm really cares.

- Michelle A.

View All

Our Comprehensive Approach to Underage DWI Defense in Manhattan

At Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein, our approach is built on the philosophy that every piece of evidence can be challenged. We don't accept the police report as the final word. Instead, we conduct our own investigation.

We utilize a network of forensic experts who can testify about the margin of error in breath testing. We also look at the "Human Factor"—was the young driver nervous? Were the conditions on a busy Manhattan street (noise, lights, uneven pavement) the real reason they "failed" a physical coordination test?

Furthermore, we focus on "mitigation." We guide our clients toward proactive steps, such as alcohol evaluation and community service, which can often be used to persuade a prosecutor to drop criminal charges in favor of a civil resolution. Our firm's methodology is proactive, not reactive.

How We Help Young DWI Clients

We help juvenile and underage DWI clients by providing a defense approach tailored to their unique legal and personal circumstances, focusing on protecting future opportunities and guiding families through the process with clarity and care.

Youth-Focused Defense: We handle both juvenile delinquency matters in Family Court and under-21 DWI charges in criminal court, accounting for the distinct stakes for young clients.
Former Prosecutor Insight: Our experience helps identify weaknesses in the state’s case and pursue fair outcomes, including reduced charges or alternative resolutions.
Personalized Attention: We keep caseloads limited to study each stop, arrest, and test results thoroughly while understanding the young person’s history and goals.
Clear Communication: Families receive regular updates in plain language, including preparation for every court appearance.
24/7 Access: We provide direct attorney access at all hours, ensuring parents can reach a lawyer immediately after an arrest or detention.
Multilingual Support: Services are available in English, Spanish, and Russian to ensure all families understand their options and feel supported.

Talk To Our Underage DWI Lawyers in Manhattan

You do not have to handle an underage DWI arrest in Manhattan on your own. Our attorneys at Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein bring decades of criminal defense experience, former prosecutor insight, and a focused caseload to every youth DWI case we accept. We appear regularly in courts here and understand how these matters are typically handled.

We communicate in English, Spanish, and Russian and make ourselves available when families need us most. If you are searching for an underage DWI lawyer in Manhattan to provide honest guidance and attentive representation, we encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation.

Call (888) 646-0025 or reach out online to speak with our Manhattan DWI defense attorneys today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an underage DWI stay on my child’s record?

An underage DWI can affect a record, but the impact depends on age, court, and outcome. Some matters stay in juvenile records, others appear in criminal history. Our attorneys review the specific charges and work to pursue resolutions that limit long term consequences whenever possible.

What happens at the first court date in Manhattan?

The first court date is usually an arraignment, where charges are read and issues like bail are addressed. In Manhattan, this commonly happens in Manhattan Criminal Court. We guide families through where to go, what to expect, and how to present the youth respectfully to the judge.

How can your attorneys help reduce the impact of an underage DWI?

We analyze the stop, testing, and procedures to look for legal issues and defenses. Then we use our former prosecutor insight to discuss options with the District Attorney’s Office. Our goal is to work toward outcomes that reduce penalties and protect education and career plans when the facts support it.

How will we communicate with your law firm?

We strive to make communication straightforward and responsive. Clients have direct access to attorneys, not only staff, and can reach us 24/7 in urgent situations. We schedule calls and meetings that fit your family’s schedule and provide updates in English, Spanish, or Russian as needed.

Can we afford an underage DWI lawyer for our child?

We know an unexpected arrest can create financial stress. Our firm offers flexible payment options so families can secure representation without delay. During your consultation, we explain anticipated fees and payment structures clearly so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Continue Reading Read Less

Ready To Fight For You

Contact Us

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy