Peter Gerstenzang

Peter Gerstenzang is a New York criminal defense lawyer at Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Simone, PLLC, whose practice focuses on DWI cases and vehicular crimes. He brings decades of experience to matters involving impaired driving allegations and related criminal charges. He is Board Certified as a Senior Specialist in DWI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense. His work combines courtroom advocacy, technical knowledge of breath testing, and long-standing involvement in professional DWI defense training.

Peter graduated from Albany Law School in 1970. His legal education provided the foundation for a career in criminal law that began with public service. After law school, he worked as a prosecutor for the United States Army in the Republic of Vietnam. From 1972 to 1975, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for Albany County, gaining early courtroom experience in criminal matters, prosecution practice, advocacy, and criminal casework.

Peter has developed substantial technical and teaching experience in DWI law. Certified as a breath test operator, he taught in the New York State Police Academy Breath Test Training Program for 12 years. He also authored Handling the DWI Case in New York, published annually by Thomson Reuters. The book is described by his profile as a standard reference for defending driving while intoxicated cases in New York courts today.

Peter Gerstenzang serves as Dean Emeritus and Fellow of the National College for DUI Defense and previously served on its Board of Regents, as Assistant Dean, and as Dean. He has lectured for state and national criminal defense organizations, judicial training programs, and law enforcement groups. In 2019, the New York State Magistrates Association presented him with its Amicus Curiae Award for decades of training provided to New York judges statewide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Partner, Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Simone, PLLC
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Former Chair, Traffic Safety Committee, New York State Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
• Dean Emeritus and Fellow and Board of Regents, National College for DUI Defense (2003-2013)

Licensed State

• New York

Awards & Badges