DWI / DUI in New York: What the Court Data Shows

According to 80,930 DCJS pretrial release records from 2019–2024, DWI / DUI cases across 61 New York counties have an average dismissal rate of 9.3% and an average conviction rate of 90.3%.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is one of the most commonly charged offenses in New York courts. This page examines what DCJS pretrial release records (2019-2024, covering 1.38M cases across 62 counties) reveal about how DWI cases are actually processed across the state.

What Our Data Shows About DWI Outcomes

Based on our analysis of DWI/DUI cases across New York courts:

• Pretrial release patterns for DWI vary significantly by county
• Charge reduction rates differ meaningfully between jurisdictions
• The data captures notable shifts in DWI processing over the bail reform period

View DWI/DUI statistics across all New York counties to see detailed data for each jurisdiction.

Variation Across New York

One of the most notable findings in our data is how much DWI outcomes differ across New York counties. Courts in different parts of the state show meaningfully different pretrial release rates, charge reduction patterns, and disposition timelines. These differences may reflect local court practices, caseload volumes, and how prosecutors approach DWI cases in each jurisdiction.

Pretrial Release Patterns

DWI cases are treated distinctly in the pretrial release context. Our data tracks ROR, bail, and remand decisions for DWI arraignments, showing how these patterns changed over the 2019-2024 period — a window that includes both the initial bail reform and its 2022 amendments.

Understanding the Statistics

When reviewing our DWI data, keep in mind:

• New York distinguishes between DWI, DWAI, and Aggravated DWI — our data groups these under the DWI/DUI category
• Charge reductions (e.g., DWI reduced to DWAI) are a common disposition pattern that our data captures
• These are aggregate statistics — individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case

Next Steps

For information about New York DWI laws and potential penalties, consult a licensed New York attorney or visit the Vehicle and Traffic Law. To explore how DWI cases are resolved in your county, view our DWI data by county.