Avoiding a DWI altogether is the best way to steer clear of a serious criminal matter that can take a long time to resolve and clean off of your record. Here are a few pointers to avoid that DWI charge:

o Before you even go out, decide who will be the Designated Driver that night.
o Use a taxi service. You can fit three or four friends at a time into a cab, just like your own car, only you don’t run the risk of getting stopped for a DWI. Plus, if you all split the cost of the cab, it may turn out to be substantially less expensive to take a cab than for anyone to drive their own car considering gas and the potential for being stopped
o Call a friend or a family member to pick you up. You can pick up your car in the morning. You may not even get a parking ticket for overnight parking, but if you do, that fine is much less than the cost a DWI charge would be.

http://insurance.freeadvice.com/information/auto/article/66

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a crime. In NYS, the penalties include the loss of driving privileges, fines, and a possible jail term.

Your judgment, coordination and ability to drive a vehicle change when you consume any amount of alcohol. The level of impairment depends on five conditions:

1. the amount of alcohol you drink,
2. the amount of food you eat before or while you drink alcohol,
3. the length of time you drink alcohol,
4. your body weight, and
5. your gender.

There is no quick method to become sober. The best method is to wait until your body absorbs the alcohol. The average rate that your body processes alcohol is approximately one drink per hour.

http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm

Any amount of drinking will begin to affect your judgment and coordination,, and reduce your ability to judge distances, speeds and angles. The degree of impairment depends on four basic factors:

1. The amount you drink.
2. Whether you’ve eaten before or while drinking (food slows absorption).
3. Your body weight.
4. The length of time spent drinking.
5.
No one should consume alcohol and drive. Everyone’s safe driving ability deteriorates after drinking. Some people, especially young drivers, lose their driving skills even more quickly. This is why New York State law makes it illegal for any driver or passenger to possess an alcoholic beverage with intent to consume (commonly called the “open container” law).

It is also illegal to purchase an alcoholic beverage if you are under 21 years old.

http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/broch/c39.htm