LIVERPOOL, N.Y. -- Tom Anelli, who made a name for himself as the "DWI guy" lawyer, was arrested Friday night for DWAI, according to New York State Police.

Driving while ability impaired is considered a traffic violation -- not a misdemeanor or felony.

At 9:25 p.m., troopers responded to a disturbance near Tulip and Sixth streets in Liverpool, police said. A woman told police she'd been verbally arguing with Anelli, her boyfriend, and he dropped her off in the area, police said.

As the woman talked to police, Anelli returned to the scene, police said. Troopers said they smelled alcohol on his breath and that he showed signs he was impaired.

Anelli refused a field sobriety test and was arrested, police said.

Troopers took him to New York State Police barracks in Lysander, where Anelli blew a .06 BAC on a breath alcohol test, police said.

Anelli is due back in Village of Liverpool Court on Oct. 2.

Editor's note: Anelli is no longer associated with the DWI Guy name, but continues to practice DWI defense.