DWI Attorney - Waterbury, Connecticut

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing an DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and skilled DWI attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options.

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

In Connecticut, an individual has 7 (seven) days to request an administrative hearing from the Connecticut DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). If you fail to request a hearing within 7 (seven) 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 file your request to the Connecticut DMV within 7 (seven) days.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Waterbury?

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 DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Connecticut, so it is crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

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

• Time in Jail - A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces imprisonment of up to 6 months in jail, with a mandatory minimum of 2 days. In lieu of jail time, the court may require the first time offender to serve probation for 6 months and complete 100 hours of community service.
• Connecticut Driving Privileges - In Waterbury, 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.
• Monetary Fines - In Waterbury, 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 (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 Connecticut driver's license for 6 months.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) 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.

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). 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) 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 options and rights. For this reason, an aggressive and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this challenging process. Please contact a Connecticut DWI / DUI attorney for a fast, free consultation.