Defending DWI/DUI: Legal Issues, Process, Treatment, NYS Impaired Driver System – Video Replay

Defending DWI/DUI offenses effectively requires a thorough understanding of not only the legal issues, but the process by which clients are evaluated, treated if necessary, and their information is completed in the New York State Impaired Driver System (IDS) (co-managed by the DMV and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports- OASAS).

Properly completing the information in the IDS is a critical part of the process of relicensing after a DWI/DUI.  For unlicensed drivers or drivers applying for a license after a revocation, proper completion in the IDS not only allows the motorist to apply for a license but decreases the incidence of aggravated unlicensed driver offenses.
It is important for both the OASAS approved providers and the motorist’s attorney to understand this system in order to effectively assist and advise their mutual clients on re-licensing or applying for a license after a DWI/DUI

Learning Goal: 

Participants will understand the DWI/DUI defense process,  Impaired Driver Assessment process and the steps for completing a motorist in the Impaired Driver System. Participants will learn about the differences in processing an unlicensed motorist, a motorist with a license revocation due to multiple DWI/DUI offenses and a single offense motorist seeking to reinstate their license. 

Presenters: 

Jonathan D. Cohn is a partner in the law firm of Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Lafayette College, where he graduated with honors. He is a 2008 cum laude graduate of Albany Law School, where he was selected as a member of the Government and Law Journal. Mr. Cohn was one of a select group to be published as a member of the journal. Mr. Cohn is also a former state delegate for the National College for DUI Defense (“NCDD”). Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Cohn was an Assistant District Attorney in the Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office, who handled all aspects of criminal law. He also gained a thorough understanding of the Criminal Procedure Law and Penal Law as a Law Clerk to Honorable Karen A. Drago, Schenectady County Court Judge.

Mr. Cohn's practice is focused on criminal defense – with an emphasis on alcohol-related offenses.

Katherine Mitchell PhD, LCSW, CASAC is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner/founder of East End Counseling LCSW, PLLC in Sag Harbor, NY.  She earned her Ph.D. in 2017 from Stony Brook University.  Dr. Mitchell has been working with DWI/DUI clients for over 12 years. Her practice focuses on serving the DWI/DUI client in English and Spanish and she and her staff have a unique understanding of the needs of unlicensed drivers and repeat offenders.  She is an expert in the DWI/DUI  impaired driver assessment, treatment and relicensing process.