Get help from an Connecticut DWI Defense Attorney

DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a Connecticut DWI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and professional DWI lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in West Haven?

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 DMV. 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 Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Jail Time - A first time DWI / DUI offender faces jail time of up to 6 months in jail, with a mandatory minimum of 2 days. In lieu of time in jail, 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 West Haven, Connecticut, a first time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 1 year.
• Monetary Fines - In West Haven, 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.
• 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 Content) level 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:

• 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.

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, a competent and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this challenging process. Please contact a Connecticut DUI / DWI lawyer for a free consultation.

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 Content) 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 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) 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.