Connecticut DUI Attorney

Connecticut DUI Lawcase the person you need to speak with is out of the
In Connecticut, it is against the law to drive while underoffice or you have trouble getting connected to the
the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can be calledright department. If you wait until the last minute and
DUI, DWI, or simply drunk driving. While these mayexperience any of these difficulties, you may miss the
seem like simple terms to understand, the DUI laws aredeadline to request a hearing. Hiring a Connecticut DUI
actually very complex and difficult for someone who islawyer immediately after your arrest means that your
not a legal professional to truly understand. If you haveattorney can represent you in both the DMV
been arrested for a DUI offense, it is imperative thatproceedings and during your criminal case. A skilled
you contact a Connecticut DUI attorney as soon asConnecticut DUI attorney can help you to save your
possible after your arrest. A qualified Connecticut DUIlicense while you await your criminal trial. The penalties
lawyer will be able to review the facts of your caseimposed by the DMV depend on the level of offense
and put together the best possible defense.and whether you refused to take a chemical test.
Connecticut DUI LawRefusal to take a chemical test carries a 6 month
In Connecticut, there are two types of prosecution forsuspension for one refusal, one year suspension for
DUI offenses. One is based on the accused beingtwo refusals, and three year suspension for three
impaired while operating a motor vehicle. Prosecutingrefusals. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of
under this theory requires that it be proven that the0.02% or greater while under the legal drinking age of
accused was too impaired to safely and reasonably21 will result in suspensions of 90 days for the first
operate a motor vehicle at the time of arrest. Lawoffense, 9 months for the second offense, and two
enforcement officers and prosecutors can show thisyears for the third offense. Adults who have submitted
simply by demonstrating that the defendant wasto a chemical test are grouped by blood alcohol
impaired in any way. Failure to complete sobriety testscontent levels for penalty determination. Offenders
successfully, the smell of alcohol on the defendant, awith a blood alcohol level of 0.08% to 0.16% face a 90
disheveled appearance of the defendant, or badday suspension for the first offense, 9 month
driving habits such as excessive braking, driving toosuspension for the second offense, and a two year
slowly, speeding, or weaving and swerving. No bloodsuspension for the third offense. Offenders with blood
alcohol concentration level needs to be proven for thisalcohol levels of 0.16% or higher face 120 days of
type of prosecution. The second is based on bloodsuspension for the first offense, 10 months for the
chemistry; specifically that the defendant had a bloodsecond offense, and two and a half years for a third
alcohol concentration level that exceeded the legal limitoffense.
of 0.08%. The actual level of impairment of theConnecticut DUI Criminal Penalties
defendant does not matter under this theory. TheThe criminal penalties for driving under the influence in
prosecution simply has to show that the defendant'sConnecticut depend on a number of variables such as
blood alcohol concentration level was over the legalprior offenses and other circumstances. First offenses
limit. Contacting a Connecticut DUI attorney immediatelyresult in a one year suspension of the driver's license,
following your arrest will allow you the opportunity to48 hours of mandatory jail time with another 6 months
put together the best defense possible.of jail time that can be suspended if the offender
Connecticut DMV Penaltiesperforms community service, and fines of $500 to
When you're arrested for driving under the influence,$1,000. Second offenses are more serious and carry
you not only face criminal charges and penalties, youmore serious consequences. Second offenses can
also face administrative penalties through thecarry penalties of a mandatory minimum of 120 days in
Department of Motor Vehicles. When you arejail with the remaining 6 months of jail time suspended
arrested for a DUI offense, the clock starts running onfor community service, three year license suspension,
the day you are arrested. You will be notified that yourand $1,000 to $4,000 in fines. Third offenses carry
driver's license will be suspended on the thirty-first daypenalties of one year of minimum mandatory jail time
following your offense and given the opportunity towith the rest suspended for 100 hours of community
request a hearing. You will only be given 87 days toservices, fines of $2,000 to $8,000, and permanent
request the hearing, so it is important that you checklicense revocation. These penalties have the potential
your mail regularly and respond to all correspondence.to make your life very difficult. Getting a job with a
Saying you did not get the notice does not mean thatcriminal record and no driver's license will be almost
you will be given an extension or that your licenseimpossible; whatever job you are able to get may pay
suspension will not take effect. Make every effort tolow wages or pay under the table. Hiring a Connecticut
contact the DMV to request a hearing the day of yourDUI lawyer is the only way you can get a chance to
arrest or the day after your arrest if it took place atsuccessfully defend yourself against a DUI charge and
night. By contacting the DMV on the first day followingits life-altering consequences.
your arrest, you'll give yourself a cushion of time in