The Granich Law Firm

05/08/2026

New York’s expanded access to lifetime DMV driving records has dramatically changed the way traffic and DWI cases are handled in court.

Judges and prosecutors can now review far more than just current charges or active points, including prior reductions, plea agreements, suspensions, and long-term driving history. Even violations from many years ago can still impact how a case is viewed today.

As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to negotiate favorable plea agreements in many traffic-related matters, particularly for drivers with prior history. Cases that may have once been resolved with lesser reductions are now facing much stricter scrutiny.

Many drivers are unaware that prior plead-downs and dispositions can continue to follow them long after they believe a matter was resolved. Understanding the long-term impact of traffic and DWI matters has never been more important.

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case and driving history is unique.

If you find yourself needing legal assistance regarding a traffic or DWI matter, contact The Granich Law Firm
at (518) 862-7185.

Get information about your license and driving history.

04/16/2026

⚖️ What We Handle

To better serve our clients, Granich Law Firm focuses only on the following areas:

🚗 Traffic Violations
🍺 DWI / DWAI
⚖️ Criminal Defense
🚑 Personal Injury

At this time, we do not take on matters outside of these practice areas.

Granich Law Firm
Albany, NY
📞 518-862-7181

Injury Law firm in Albany, NY. Also handles criminal, traffic, real estate, and DWI.

04/15/2026

🚗 Did You Know? Drinking & Driving Risks in New York ⚖️

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, nearly one-third of fatalities in New York involve impaired or intoxicated drivers and pedestrians.

Even small amounts of alcohol can impact your ability to drive safely. As blood alcohol levels increase, so does the risk:
• A driver with a BAC of 0.08 is about 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash
• At 0.16, that risk increases to 25 times more likely

There is no quick way to “sober up”, only time allows your body to process alcohol.

Understanding the risks and the law can help you make safer decisions and avoid serious legal consequences.

Granich Law Firm
21 Colvin Ave | Albany, NY
📞 518-862-7187

Attorney Advertising. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique.

04/07/2026

We all woke up to snow this morning… ❄️

…but let’s be honest — warmer days are right around the corner.

And with that comes more motorcycles on the road. 🏍️

A friendly reminder for everyone:
Please watch for motorcyclists.
Take an extra second before turning, changing lanes, or pulling out, it can make all the difference.

And to our riders:
Please ride safely and stay alert.

Motorcycle safety is especially important in New York:
• Motorcycles make up a small percentage of vehicles, yet account for a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities
• In recent years, New York has seen over 130 motorcycle-related fatalities annually
• Thousands of motorcycle crashes occur each year across the state

We all share the road, let’s look out for one another!

https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/motorcycle-safety?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

Protecting the most vulnerable road users.

03/25/2026

Judge likes a well-organized schedule… 🐱

To make sure every client gets the time and attention they deserve, our office operates by appointment.

Please call ahead before stopping by so we can schedule a time or check availability.

We appreciate your understanding!

-The Granich Law Firm Team

📞 (518) 862-7181

03/17/2026

Green beer is fine.
Red and blue lights are not. 🚨🍀

Celebrations are meant to be enjoyed, but getting behind the wheel after drinking can have serious legal consequences in New York, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.

Plan ahead. Use a rideshare. Stay safe.

If you do find yourself facing a situation, don’t hesitate to contact Granich Law Firm at (518) 862-7181 to better understand your options.

Judge will be keeping an eye on things. 🐱

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

03/17/2026

Every office needs a good first impression.

Ours just happens to have whiskers.

Judge is always on duty, making sure everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome.

First to greet you.
Last to leave.
Occasionally accepts pets as payment.

At Granich Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand your options and navigate the legal process with confidence, no matter what brings you through our doors.

(Some of us just take our job a little more seriously than the rest of us.) 🐱

Judge wants to know:

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

There’s only one right answer, and the wrong answer will cost you extra pets.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

03/16/2026

Meet the strictest judge at Granich Law Firm.

Our office cat Judge has reviewed the latest speeding statistics in New York and has one ruling:

Slow down.

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1180, speeding violations can add points to your license faster than most drivers realize:

• 1–10 mph over the limit – 3 points
• 11–20 mph over – 4 points
• 21–30 mph over – 6 points

And if you accumulate 6 or more points within 18 months, New York State may impose a Driver Responsibility Assessment starting at $300, in addition to fines and possible insurance increases.

Judge may be tough on speeding, but he also believes drivers should understand their rights and options when facing a traffic ticket.

If you’ve received a speeding ticket in New York and have questions about the process, Granich Law Firm may be able to help.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1180
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/about-nys-driver-point-system
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/driver-responsibility-assessment

03/03/2026

📱 Cellphone Use While Driving in New York: What Drivers Should Know 🚗

New York law prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones and portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. This includes holding a phone to talk, texting, browsing, or otherwise handling the device, even when stopped at a red light.

Hands-free devices may be used when operated properly in accordance with the law.

📊 Potential Penalties Under New York Law:
• Monetary fines that may increase for repeat offenses within 18 months
• Five points added to your driving record upon conviction
• Possible license consequences if sufficient points accumulate

Certain drivers, including probationary or commercial drivers, may face additional penalties under state regulations.

Understanding how traffic laws may impact your driving record is important. For detailed information, you can review the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles page on Cell Phone Use and Texting Laws:
https://dmv.ny.gov/points-and-penalties/cell-phone-use-and-texting

If you have questions about a traffic matter, you may wish to speak with an attorney to better understand your specific circumstances.

Granich Law Firm
21 Colvin Ave
Albany, NY 12206
518-862-7187

Attorney Advertising. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique.

Drivers are restricted from holding a cell (mobile) phone or other portable electronic device to call (talk), text, play games, or watch video.

02/26/2026

Our in-house “Judge” takes protecting your rights very seriously. He likes to stay on top of every case. 🐾📄

At Granich Law Firm, we believe in thorough review.

He may be a little unimpressed with your driving record… but we’re here to help you move forward safely and responsibly! ⚖️

Granich Law Firm
21 Colvin Ave | Albany, NY
518-862-7187

Attorney Advertising. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique.