Department of Motor Vehicle Investigations

Practice Areas

The New York State DMV is not only responsible for issuing licenses and registrations—it also maintains a dedicated investigative arm, the Division of Field Investigation (DFI), which functions as the DMV’s criminal-investigative unit.

DMV investigations typically arise when there are allegations of wrongdoing involving driver’s licenses, registrations, or vehicle-related documentation. Common triggers include suspected fraud, identity theft, forged or false paperwork, odometer tampering, title/registration fraud, or other crimes involving motor vehicles.

When the DMV determines there is probable cause, its peace officers can open a criminal-style investigation, potentially leading to serious charges under state law—including forgery, offering a false instrument for filing, identity-theft offenses, or other criminal charges depending on the facts. There can also be non-criminal investigations which carry substantial penalties affecting one’s license and ability to drive, as well as monetary penalties.

The DMV is also responsible for conducting fatality hearings whenever a motorist is involved in an accident that leaves another person (motorist or pedestrian) deceased. It is imperative an attorney represent a motorist at such a hearing, as the defenses available may ensure success and prevent the loss of a license or other negative insurance consequences.

Why DMV Investigations Matter — Beyond License Issues

Many people assume DMV matters are only administrative (license renewals, suspensions, etc.), but a DMV investigation can carry criminal consequences. That’s because the DMV is empowered to investigate and refer cases to prosecutors when there’s evidence of fraudulent or criminal activity tied to DMV documentation or registrations. Consequences may include:

Criminal charges such as forgery or falsifying documents.
Revocation or suspension of your license or registration.
Permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, immigration, insurance, and more.

Because these investigations often involve state-level fraud protocols and record/database reviews (including scrutinizing past license history, identity verification, and cross-checking DMV records), many seemingly routine license or registration issues can escalate into major legal problems.

Why Representation Matters

Responding to a DMV investigator without legal guidance can be risky. As your defense counsel, we help:

Communicate with investigators on your behalf
Protect your rights during interviews and inquiries
Identify weaknesses or errors in the DMV’s case
Prevent criminal charges when possible
Represent you in administrative hearings or criminal court
Work toward dismissals, reductions, or favorable resolutions

Early intervention is often the key to minimizing or preventing serious consequences.

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS NOT MEANT TO TAKE THE PLACE OF A CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERIENCED LOCAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY.

FAQS

Frequently Asked
Questions

Lo Piccolo Law
is dedicated
to protecting your rights, your freedom,
and your future at
every stage of
your case.

What do I do if I have been arrested?

Police will either hold a person to see a Judge within 24 hours OR they will be issued a Desk Appearance Ticket. Either way, an attorney should be retained for the first court appearance. Please contact us if we can help you or a loved one.

What do I do if I have a warrant?

A bench warrant means that court was missed, and if you come in contact with the police or other law enforcement, you will be detained and brought to court involuntarily. IF that happens, your family should contact an attorney to appear with you at court because bail can be set and you can be detained at the local jail.

You can vacate a bench warrant voluntarily by appearing with an attorney at the clerk’s office of the court where the bench warrant was issued. You will then go before a Judge to vacate the warrant. An attorney should be present to advocate for your continued liberty.

Arrest warrants are less common but the same procedures apply in those situations.

How can I find my next court date?

Most court appearances are logged in the New York State Courts
database, commonly referred to as WEBCRIMS.

https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/DefendantSearch

Please note that mis-spelling is common and that Desk Appearance
Tickets may not appear until a few days before the date on the ticket
OR not at all. Sometimes, these cases will not be logged into the system
until after that first initial appearance.

Where are the Courts Located?

New York State Courts, as well as local village courts can be found at: LINK

Federal Courts can be found https://www.uscourts.gov/

How do I schedule a Jail visitation?

For Nassau County Jail
https://app.nassaucountyny.gov/Sheriff/inmate_visit/A.

For Suffolk County Jail
https://www.suffolkcountysheriffsoffice.com/visiting-information

There are rules for each visit so please review them when preparing
to visit a loved one or friend.

How do I add money to an inmate’s commissary and what items can I mail to the Jail?

For Nassau County Jail: LINK

For the Suffolk County Jail: LINK

How do I pay Court imposed Fines and Surcharges?

Courts provide a date for all payments. IF you are unsure of the date and/or amount of fines due, please contact the Court directly or your attorney.

What is the difference between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

Felony charges are the more serious criminal charges in NYS. They range from levels A to E, with A being the most serious and E being the least serious. There are also non-violent and violent felonies depending on the specific facts of each case. The most serious felonies in New York can carry a life sentence, a determinate sentence ranging from 5-25 years for the more serious violent felonies to non-mandatory jail for many non-violent felonies, depending on the accused criminal history.

Misdemeanor charges are lesser offenses ranging from A to B misdemeanors, with A misdemeanors being the more serious offenses. They carry a potential sentence of one year in jail, 3 years probation, or a combination of the two. While less serious than felonies, the risk of a criminal record from a conviction is still real and needs an attorney to advise and defend.

What is Bail and How can Bail be posted?

What is Bail?
Bail is a securing order to ensure an accused’s return to court. IF Bail is
set, a person is detained at the local jail until bail is posted. If Bail is set,
it can be posted at arraignments if family is present, 24 hours a day at the
local jail and Monday through Friday between 9-4:30 p.m. at the Court.
If you are posting a Partially Secured Bond (please allow at least 2 hours
for this process).

Get In Touch With Us

location

666 Old Country Road,
Suite 207
Garden City, NY 11530

call us

(516) 408-3666

Email Us

Office@JLPNYLAW.com

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