Hartford, Connecticut DWI Criminal Defense Attorney

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Hartford?

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 driver's license by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Connecticut, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a Connecticut DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Connecticut DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Connecticut law, an individual has 7 days to request an administrative hearing from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. If you fail to request a hearing within 7 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Connecticut DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) within 7 days.

DUI or DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• 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.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment in Hartford, Connecticut may be required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Connecticut.
• Connecticut Driving Privileges - In Hartford, Connecticut, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Connecticut for 1 year.
• Connecticut Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time DUI or DWI 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.
• Fines - In Hartford, Connecticut, fines for a first time DWI are a minimum of $500.00, up to a maximum of $1,000.00.
• 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.

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

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

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 aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through this challenging process. Please contact a Connecticut DWI / DUI lawyer for a quick and easy consultation.

Connecticut Anti-Drunk Driving Laws

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.

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 BAC (blood alcohol content). 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 BAC (blood alcohol content) or higher.