How Can a Lawyer Help Me With a DUI Charge?

A Vernon Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC Will Represent You if You Have a DUI Charge
February 29, 2024

If you are facing a DUI charge, this is a very serious offense with penalties ranging from steep fines and community service to license suspensions and a mandatory prison sentence. In Connecticut, motorists who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face administrative charges that deal with things like license suspensions after failing or refusing a blood alcohol test, as well as criminal charges that require an appearance in court to be prosecuted for a DUI offense. In addition to the prospect of losing your license and spending time in prison, a DUI arrest can cause irreparable damage to your reputation and your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

What Is Considered a DUI in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, if you are 21 years of age or older, you are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. If you are under the age of 21, you are considered legally intoxicated if you have a BAC of 0.02 or higher. Commercial drivers are considered under the influence if they have a BAC of 0.04. Connecticut also has an Implied Consent Law, which states that if you are driving and a police officer suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and asks you to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test, you must comply. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian automatically provides consent to have your blood, breath, or urine tested. There is an official arrest procedure that police must follow, which includes the following steps:

  • The police officer must place you under arrest for driving DUI.
  • They must ensure that you understand your constitutional rights.
  • They must request that you take a blood, urine, or breath test.
  • You must be given a reasonable amount of time to contact a criminal defense lawyer before performing the test.
  • Police must inform you that your license will be suspended if you refuse to take the test.
  • You must also be notified that your license will be suspended if you take the test and it shows an elevated BAC.
  • Before police can administer the test, they must inform you that the results can be used against you in criminal proceedings.
  • The police officer must provide a written note that informs you of the information listed above and confirms that the officer followed the procedure.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Connecticut?

Connecticut imposes stringent mandatory penalties, even for first-time DUI offenders, underscoring the importance of retaining legal representation to scrutinize the arrest and safeguard your rights meticulously. Initially, administrative penalties administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) include:

  • Ensure your protection by engaging the legal services of the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC for your administrative hearing. A negative outcome at this hearing may result in:
    • A minimum 90-day license suspension.
    • A minimum six-month license suspension for refusal to submit to a blood, breath, or urine chemical alcohol analysis test.
  • Subsequently, the state court system imposes criminal penalties in addition to the administrative sanctions from the DMV following a DUI conviction. These penalties entail:
    • First offense: A one-year license suspension; a six-month jail term, including a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail, or a suspended sentence coupled with 100 hours of community service; fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.
    • Second offense: A one-year license suspension, followed by a two-year requirement for an ignition interlock device (for in-state violations involving drivers aged at least 21); a two-year jail sentence, with a mandatory 120-day incarceration period; 100 hours of community service; fines from $1,000 to $4,000.
    • Third offense: License revocation; a three-year jail term with a mandatory one-year imprisonment; 100 hours of community service; fines ranging from $2,000 to $8,000.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me if I am Charged With a DUI?

One of the first and most important steps you can take after being charged with a DUI is to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who thoroughly understands the Connecticut DUI laws and can recommend the defense strategy that will be the most effective in your particular situation. Whether this is your first or third offense, a dedicated criminal defense lawyer will protect your legal rights, determine whether any mistakes were made during the arrest, and help you navigate the legal process.

Even if your BAC is barely over the legal limit, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 or above. Your criminal defense lawyer may challenge the breathalyzer test, question whether the field sobriety test was performed correctly, appeal a license suspension, and help you navigate the legal process. Ultimately, having a highly skilled lawyer on your side will increase the chances that the charges against you will be reduced or dropped.

A Vernon Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC Will Represent You if You Have a DUI Charge

If you have been charged with a DUI, contacting a Vernon criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC is highly recommended. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 860-872-7741 or contact us online. Located in Vernon, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut, we serve clients in Tolland County, New Haven County, and Hartford County.