William J Wolfe Law Firm PC Services
If you are in the market to hire a lawyer, it is a good bet that you are going through a difficult time in your life. When looking for a lawyer, it is important to find a lawyer who understands the legal issues and can achieve a positive resolution to your situation. Perhaps equally important, you want a lawyer who will give you and your case the time and attention it requires.
At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., our only commitment is to our clients. We offer dedicated, knowledgeable representation to people accused of drunk driving and other automobile-related criminal charges. We are able to defend people against all types of criminal charges, and also represent clients in personal injury and real estate.
Attorney William Wolfe has been devoted to serving people all of his professional life. Prior to becoming a lawyer, William Wolfe was worked 21 years for the New York City Fire Department, and has enjoyed serving people in a variety of different capacities.
Our law firm has represented many clients since our founding in 2003. We know what clients like to see in a lawyer, and what they do not like to see. We know that people do not like it when their lawyer passes their case off to someone else in the office. People do not like it when their lawyer does not answer the phone or return calls within a reasonable period of time. If you enlist our services, know that our attorney will handle your case. If you need to speak with William Wolfe, he will be available to talk to you, if not immediately, within hours. We are committed to pursuing every avenue to reach a favorable result in your case.
DWI
Drunk driving is a serious allegation that can impact every area of your life. If you have been charged with drunk driving, you must take advantage of every opportunity to defend yourself. At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., our drunk driving defense lawyer William Wolfe has protected the rights of many individuals charged DWI or DWAI. Call 845-856-3333 to discuss your charges.
Our law firm is able to defend people facing every type of DWI or DWAI charge, whether it is an Aggravated DWI, a DWAI under the influence of drugs, or a "Zero Tolerance" DWI. Although every case is different, we have found that people charged with DWI are often upset and worried about what the future will bring. We will try to alleviate your very real concerns while seeking a result to your criminal case that lessens some or all of the impact these charges bring.
It can take time for a case to wind through the legal process. As part of our representation, we will be with you at every step of this process. We approach every DWI or DWAI with one goal in mind; to achieve the best possible result in your case, whether it is a dismissal or reduction of the charges. We will conduct a complete investigation of the facts of your case, reviewing the police report, field sobriety tests and all other evidence.
Law enforcement agents must comply with a number of specific steps in every DWI charge.
For instance, law enforcement agents must have probable cause to stop your automobile. The Breathalyzer, or breath test, must be properly calibrated in order for your results to be valid. There are a number of potential areas where law enforcement agents may make mistakes in gathering evidence against you. These mistakes could lead to a dismissal or reduction of the charges. In every case, you can be sure that our law firm will find any flaws in the prosecution's case, and will exploit these flaws to your advantage.
Aggravated DWI Can Make Plea Negotiations More Difficult
While every DWI is a serious matter, some DWI charges can bring even greater consequences. In New York, certain drunk driving allegations are charged as "Aggravated DWI". For instance, if your blood alcohol content was .18 or higher, you can be charged with Aggravated DWI. Aggravated DWI can bring on enhanced penalties, such as greater fines and a longer period of license revocation or suspension. At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we have defended numerous individuals against Aggravated DWI. We also defend people facing felony DWI charges as well. Contact our law firm today.
Our law firm also represents individuals charged with Felony DWI. Felony DWI can be charged for a second or subsequent offense within a 10-year period. Felony DWI can also be charged if there is a child in the vehicle. A felony conviction can impact your life in many ways. Rather than plead guilty or try the "do-it-yourself" approach, call our lawyer.
One practical consequence of an aggravated DWI charge is that it will limit your opportunities to seek a reduced charge. Depending on the circumstances, many prosecutors are willing to reduce DWI charges to Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) charges. This is important, because DWAI is referred to as a violation and not a crime.
In an Aggravated DWI charge, this option is rarely available. As a result, you have an even greater need for experienced defense counsel. Our law firm will closely examine all of the evidence against you. If there are weaknesses in this evidence, we will use these weaknesses as leverage to seek a dismissal or reduction of the charges. While we will not promise any results, we will make certain that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
DWI Penalties
A drunk driving conviction will bring on a number of penalties. You will pay fines, suffer the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, and may even spend time in jail. At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we have helped people across New York through the legal process. We will protect your rights at each step of the way, while looking to achieve the best possible result in your case. Below are the current penalties for DWI and DWAI. To learn more about your rights after being charged with a DWI, contact our office.
A Summary of New York DWI Penalties
| Violation | Penalties |
| First offense DWI or DWAI Drugs | Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. First offense DWI will carry license revocation of six months. First offense DWAI will bring license suspension of six months. |
| Second offense DWI or DWAI Drugs within 10 years | Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, up to four years in jail, and license revocation for one year. Second offense DWI is a Class E Felony. |
| Third offense DWI or DWAI Drugs within 10 years | Fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, up to seven years in jail, and license revocation for one year. Third offense DWI is a Class D Felony. |
| Aggravated DWI | Fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, up to one year in jail, and license revocation for one year. |
| Second Aggravated DWI within ten years | Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, up to four years in jail, and license revocation for a minimum of 18 months. Second offense Aggravated DWI is a Class E Felony. |
| Third Aggravated DWI within 10 years | Fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, up to seven years in jail, and license revocation for a minimum of 18 months. Third offense Aggravated DWI is a Class D Felony. |
| Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Alcohol/Drugs (DWAI-Combination) | Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and license suspension of six months. |
| Second DWAI-Combination within 10 years | Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, up to four years in jail, and license revocation for up to 18 months. Second offense DWAI-Combination is a Class E Felony. |
| Third DWAI-Combination within 10 years | Fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, up to seven years in jail, and license revocation for up to 18 months. Third offense DWAI-combination is a Class D Felony. |
| Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI) | Fines ranging from $300 to $500, up to 15 days in jail, and license suspension for 90 days. |
| Second DWAI within five years | Fines ranging from $500 to $750, up to 30 days in jail, and license revocation for at least six months. |
| Violation of the Zero Tolerance Law | License suspension for six months, a $125 civil penalty and a $100 fee to terminate the license suspension |
| Second violation of the Zero Tolerance law | License revocation for one year or until the offender turns 21, whichever is longer, a $125 civil penalty and a $100 fee to terminate the license suspension |
In addition to these penalties, there are surcharges added to the fines. Currently, surcharges are $160 for a misdemeanor and $270 for a felony.
Traffic Court Defense
Speeding tickets and other moving violations may seem to be little more than nuisances. However, traffic tickets can be much more than this. In New York, three speeding tickets over an 18-month period will result in an automatic license suspension. Whether you have had one ticket or if this is the latest ticket of many, an experienced traffic ticket defense lawyer can help you stay on the road. At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we help people across New York and beyond who have been charged with traffic violations. Contact us today.
Our Law Firm Represents Truck Drivers Facing Speeding and Other Charges:
Commercial truck drivers driving through New York face the possibility of speeding tickets, moving violations and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) violations. These violations can involve heavy monetary penalties. We represent truck drivers and trucking companies facing these types of violations. Whenever possible, we will try to work out a civil compromise or another agreement.
Helping Drivers Ticketed on Route 17, I-84, Palisades Parkway, the New York Thruway and Other Roads:
When representing a client with a speeding ticket or other ticket, our first step will be to obtain our client's driving record. If it does not appear as though a dismissal of the charges is possible, we will try to negotiate a reduced charge in exchange for a guilty plea. We have helped clients charged with speeding violations instead plead guilty to nonmoving violations, non-speeding violations, or moving violations that do not involve speeding.
We are always aware of how New York's points system will impact your driving privileges, and we will always seek a resolution that minimizes the number of points on your driving record.
We help people stopped for speeding while passing through New York:
If you do not live in our region of New York, our law firm can help you contest a speeding ticket or other moving violation. We can e-mail you an affidavit for you to sign and notarize. With this affidavit, we can work out a potentially favorable arrangement for you without you having to appear in a New York court.
A Summary of the New York Points System
State police, county police, local police and park police are all entrusted with enforcing New York's various traffic laws. These law enforcement agencies are very vigilant in enforcing these laws. As a result, millions of traffic tickets are issued annually. Under New York law, each traffic conviction is worth a certain number of points. If a driver accumulates 11 or more points over an 18-month period, that driver's license is suspended. In certain circumstances, such as when a person is convicted of three speeding offenses over an 18-month period, suspension will result regardless of the total number of points.
If you have received a traffic ticket, it is important to understand what a criminal defense attorney can do for you. At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we have helped many individuals with traffic tickets obtain favorable results. Our efforts have helped our clients keep their driving privileges and avoid some of the worst consequences of a conviction.
| Violation | Points |
| Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the speed limit | 3 |
| Speeding 11 to 20 mph over the speed limit | 4 |
| Speeding 21 to 30 mph over the speed limit | 6 |
| Speeding 31 to 40 mph over the speed limit | 8 |
| Speeding More than 40 mph over the speed limit | 11 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus | 5 |
| Inadequate brakes | 4 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Failing to obey a traffic signal | 3 |
| Railroad crossing violation | 3 |
| Failing to yield right of way | 3 |
| Seat belt violations | 3 |
| Child safety seat violations for children under 16 | 3 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident that causes property damage or injury to a domestic animal | 3 |
| Any other moving violation | 2 |
| Inadequate brakes (employer's vehicle) | 2 |
License Suspension
Unless you live in a densely populated area, you have to be able to drive. If you cannot legally drive to work, to school or to run errands, your life is one inconvenience after another. At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., attorney William J. Wolfe has helped numerous people throughout the area get back on the road. To learn more about what an experienced defense lawyer can do for you, contact us today.
Our law firm also represents Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders. The suspension or revocation of your driver's license will impact every area of your life. Call or e-mail our Goshen driver's license suspension attorney to discuss your situation. Our law firm is located in Port Jervis, New York, and serves clients in Rockland County, Sullivan County, Orange County, Ulster County and beyond. We offer a free initial consultation.
Seeking the Reinstatement of Driving Privileges: In New York, your license can be suspended or revoked under a number of circumstances. For instance, if you are convicted of traffic violations that total 11 points or more over an 18 month period, your driving privileges will be suspended. If you have three speeding tickets over 18 months, regardless of the number of points, your license will be suspended for six months. If you are convicted of DWI or DWAI, your license can be suspended or revoked for six months or longer. If you have refused to take a breath or chemical test, your license will be suspended.
Our law firm will explore all of the options available to you. For instance, you may be eligible for a hardship license if you can show that the loss of your driving privileges will cause extreme hardship. With a hardship license, you will only be able to drive under certain limited circumstances, such as to work or school. In a DWI case, you may be eligible for a conditional license. A conditional license will give you the ability to drive to and from work, school or for other limited reasons. In order to be eligible for a conditional license, you must take the Drinking Driver's Program (DDP).
Driving Under Suspension
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO): If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you may have been tempted to test the waters and drive without a valid driver's license. If you failed to pay a fine related to a speeding ticket or other violation, you may not have even known that your license was suspended or revoked. In either case, if you have been charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (AUO), understand that you face serious criminal charges.Depending on your individual circumstances, AUO may be charged as a misdemeanor or even a felony.
If your AUO charges stem from driving without a license after a DWI conviction, you may not have as many options. Considering the seriousness of the charge, it is still wise to enlist the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Call 845-856-3333 to discuss your situation with criminal defense lawyer William J. Wolfe today.
At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we have represented many people charged with AUO. We will take every step within the law to minimize the impact of these serious charges. Call 845-856-3333 to discuss your situation with criminal defense lawyer William J. Wolfe today.
In our experience, the most common situation that brings on an AUO charge is when a driver fails to pay a fine for a speeding ticket or other violation.
If you have failed to pay a fine and have now been charged with AUO, our law firm can contact the county or jurisdiction where you did not pay the fine.
You may have to pay a bond and suspension fee. If we are able to show that you are addressing the unpaid fine or have paid it, we may be able to convince the prosecution to reduce the charge to Unlicensed Operator, which is merely a violation.
Criminal Defense
At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we represent clients in the areas of criminal defense, real estate and personal injury. In every case we will try to find solutions that achieve your goals and surpass your expectations. Contact us today.
Drug Possession
For many, drug possession charges are a cry for help. For others, drug possession charges are simply a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Regardless of your circumstances, if you have been charged with drug possession, a criminal defense lawyer can go a long way to protecting your rights.
At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we have helped people charged with drug possession, and will do what we can to help you through this difficult time. Our law firm is able to help people charged with possessing any of the following drugs:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine, both in powder and "crack" forms
- Heroin
- Methamphetamines
- Prescription drugs
In certain cases, drug treatment court is not an option. If you have been arrested with substantial amounts of drugs in your possession, our law firm will look for every opportunity to achieve a positive result in your case. If law enforcement agencies violated your rights while gathering evidence against you, we will seek to suppress this evidence. Our lawyer, William J. Wolfe, has a complete understanding of search and seizure law, which can benefit our clients.
Theft Crimes
You may not think of shoplifting as a major crime. Although the legal penalties for shoplifting may not be as serious as other crimes, a conviction on shoplifting, petit larceny or other forms of theft will cause lasting damage to your standing in the community. Employers place a high value in honesty of their employees. If you have to answer "yes" when employers ask whether you have been convicted of a theft crime, you may miss out on a number of potential employment opportunities.
At Wolfe Law Firm, P.C., we have represented numerous people charged with shoplifting and other forms of theft, including employee theft. We will explore every opportunity to reduce or dismiss your charges. Contact us today.
Because the consequences of even a seemingly minor theft charge are so high, our law firm will do everything we can to minimize the potential consequences. On a first offense, we may be able to enlist you in an online course. If you complete the course satisfactorily, your case may be Adjourned Contemplating Dismissal (ACD). Specifically, this means if you avoid legal troubles for six months, your case will be dismissed. In other cases, restitution may be a possibility. If restitution is not a viable option to resolve your charges, we will explore all available options to you.