A DWI arrest is overwhelming. Courtney McGowan has prosecuted and defended DWI cases across Westchester County. She knows what the DA will do and how to build your case before it builds against you. Call now for a free consultation.
What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Westchester
After a DWI arrest, the clock starts running on multiple deadlines. You may face both criminal charges in court and an administrative hearing with the DMV that threatens your license. The penalties can get steeper if you wait too long for the right defense. Here is what you need to know right now:Your license is at risk immediately. The DMV will schedule a hearing to suspend your driving privileges. You have a limited window to make the right arguments and request a hardship privilege enabling you to drive in certain circumstances Arraignment happens fast.
You will appear before a judge within days of your arrest. Having the right defense attorney at arraignment changes the trajectory of your case. Penalties escalate. A first-offense DWI in New York carries fines up to $1,000, possible jail time, a license revocation of at least six months, and a permanent criminal record. Aggravated DWI charges carry higher penalties. Repeat offenses become felonies.Your record follows you. A DWI conviction affects employment, insurance, professional licenses, and immigration status.
How Courtney Defends DWI Cases
As a former prosecutor, Courtney knows the evidence standards, the testing procedures, and the procedural requirements the state must meet. She examines every detail:
Traffic Stop Review: Was the initial stop legally justified? Officers need reasonable suspicion. Without it, evidence gets suppressed.
Field Sobriety Testing: Were the tests administered properly? Were conditions appropriate? These tests are highly subjective, and errors are common.
Breathalyzer and Chemical Testing: Was the equipment calibrated? Was the operator certified? Were proper procedures followed? Testing defects create real defense opportunities. If you refused a chemical test, the DMV will schedule an administrative hearing.
Blood Test Protocol: Were chain-of-custody requirements met? Was the blood drawn by authorized personnel within the proper timeframe?
Procedural Compliance: Did officers follow required protocols at every step, from the stop through booking?Every DWI case has potential weak points. Courtney identifies them and builds her defense around them.
What Cases We Handle
First-offense DWI/DWAI
Aggravated DWI (BAC 0.18+)
Felony DWI (repeat offenses)
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Alcohol
Leandra's Law charges (DWI with a child in the vehicle)
Commercial driver DWI
Underage DWI
What should I do if I was just arrested?
Call a defense attorney before you make any statements. The decisions you make in the first 24 hours after an arrest affect the entire trajectory of your case. Courtney offers free consultations and is available for urgent matters around the clock. Call (914) 409-9717.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. Your initial consultation is free and confidential. Courtney will assess your situation, explain your options, and give you a clear picture of what to expect. There is no obligation and no pressure.
What types of criminal cases do you handle?
Courtney focuses on DWI/DWAI defense, drug offenses, theft crimes (including shoplifting and larceny), and violent crimes. She handles cases from arraignment through trial, including parole violations and post-conviction matters.
What makes Courtney different from other defense attorneys?
Courtney is a former Westchester County prosecutor. She spent years in the DA's office building criminal cases. Now she uses that same knowledge to take them apart. That perspective gives her clients a strategic advantage most defense attorneys cannot offer.
Do you serve Spanish-speaking clients?
Yes. Our team provides services in both English and Spanish. From your first call through the resolution of your case, you will be able to communicate in the language you are most comfortable with. Se habla espanol.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
Fees depend on the complexity and severity of your charges. Courtney provides transparent pricing during your free consultation with no hidden costs. She will explain exactly what representation involves before you make any decisions.
Former Prosecutor Insight
Courtney spent years in the Westchester DA's office. She knows how prosecutors build their cases, and she uses that knowledge to dismantle them.
Westchester Court Experience
Courtney has appeared in courtrooms across Westchester County. She knows the judges, the procedures, and the local dynamics that affect your case.
Direct Attorney Access
You work with Courtney directly. No hand-offs to junior associates, no voicemail loops. Your case gets personal attention from start to finish.
Bilingual Service
Our team serves both English and Spanish-speaking clients. Se habla espanol. Everyone deserves to understand their rights and their options.
