DWI Criminal Defense Attorney - Fairfield, Connecticut

A DWI in Fairfield, Connecticut is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing an DWI charge in Connecticut understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI attorney will help you understand all of your options and rights.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Fairfield?

Under Connecticut law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your license by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Jail Time - A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces jail time of up to 6 months in jail, with a mandatory minimum of 2 days. In lieu of imprisonment, the court may require the first time offender to serve probation for 6 months and complete 100 hours of community service.
• Driving Privileges - A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 1 year.
• Monetary Fines - In Fairfield, Connecticut, fines for a first time DWI are a minimum of $500.00, up to a maximum of $1,000.00.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment may be required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) - Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Connecticut for 6 months.
• Connecticut Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in Connecticut.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Connecticut, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. For this reason, an accomplished and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this challenging process. Please contact a Connecticut DUI or DWI attorney for a free, professional consultation.

It is possible to recognize drivers who may have been drinking or using other drugs. They may:

• Weave within their lane.
• Run off the pavement.
• Drive on the wrong side of the road.
• Stop too quickly or slowly.
• Disregard stop signs or other signals.
• Drive too quickly or slowly.

Connecticut Anti-Drunk Driving Laws

Driving is a privilege in Connecticut, and under Connecticut's Implied Consent Law any person who operates a motor vehicle is presumed to have given his or her consent to a test to determine Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level. You are legally intoxicated if your BAC is .08 or above. If you are under 21 years of age, you are legally intoxicated at a .02 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level or higher.

Connecticut has enacted strong new measures to combat impaired driving. Stiff penalties, including mandatory sentencing and strict enforcement of our laws send a clear message that Driving under the influence will not be tolerated on Connecticut's roadways.