New Britain, Connecticut DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

DWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing an DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

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 Department of Motor Vehicles in Connecticut. 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 Department of Motor Vehicles in Connecticut within 7 days.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in New Britain?

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 Department of Motor Vehicles in Connecticut. 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.

DWI or DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Imprisonment - In New Britain, Connecticut, 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.
• Connecticut Driving Privileges and DWI - In New Britain, 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.
• Fines - In New Britain, 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 in Connecticut.
• DWI or DUI - Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 6 months.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI or DUI 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.

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

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

Anti-Drunk Driving Laws in Connecticut

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 concentration). 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 concentration) 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.

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