DUI Law in Connecticut
Frequently Asked Questions

DUI Law in Connecticut
Frequently Asked Questions

DUI in Connecticut Frequently Asked Questions For CT DUI Lawyers

Driving under the influence in CT is a serious offense. In Connecticut, prosecutions for DUI offenders have high priority status in the criminal courts. And, penalties for DUI convictions have become even more severe which is why it is very important for anyone charged with a DUI to choose the right DUI attorney. The Department of Motor Vehicles also has a separate administrative proceeding for DUIs.

If the police have charged you with a DUI, you may have questions. These are some of the frequently asked questions our Connecticut lawyers get about DUI. One simple phone call to a lawyer with experience handling DUI cases in Connecticut can be the difference between your freedom or their lack of.

Who will be my DUI attorney at Spinella and Associates located in Hartford Connecticut?

At Spinella and Associates, our legal team can help with your Connecticut DUI case. Our lead attorney, Paul Spinella, started defending DUI cases early in his career as he fought the Connecticut "per se" license revocation statute.

Attorney Spinella understands the finer details of a DUI cases and works hard to do what is right for his clients. His experience at trial makes him a trusted partner during a DUI case. Spinella, an experienced and accomplished dui lawyer, also wrote Connecticut Criminal Procedure, a 1,000-page textbook used by all Connecticut lawyers and judges.

Remember, if police arrest you for a DUI offense, you need to act quickly. One of our experienced Connecticut lawyers are available and waiting to help you with your dui case.

What defines a DUI in the state of Connecticut

DUI is short for Driving Under the Influence. A person accused of DUI may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In the state of Connecticut, DUI is a criminal offense and if convicted comes with a wide variety of punishments which is why it is imperative you immediately contact a dui lawyer if you are ever charged with a dui in the state of Connecticut.

What are the DUI laws in Connecticut?

Connecticut's DUI law has two main statutes:

• CGS §§ 14-227a prohibits people from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%. For commercial drivers, the law sets 0.04% as the BAC limit.
• CGS §§ 14-227b states a driver consents to a drug or alcohol test when they drive. If the driver refuses the test or has elevated BAC, the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license.

What will a Connecticut lawyer do for me when I am accused of a DUI?

A DUI attorney will help you understand the Connecticut DUI laws, what the charges against you are, and what those charges mean. Your attorney will also handle any administrative actions. It's their job to suggest the best way forward for you in your case.

Most of all, you should expect your Connecticut lawyer to be an honest, open communicator with you. When it comes to a DUI case, your lawyer will do what is in your best interests.

When do I need a Connecticut lawyer for DUI?

A DUI in Connecticut is a serious offense. It becomes worse if it involves an automobile accident or an accident with injuries.

If CT police officers accuse you of driving under the influence, it's vital to seek legal counsel right away. While you can represent yourself in DUI cases, an experienced dui attorney can help you through the legal process.

A Connecticut dui lawyer may be able to help you get a reduced sentence. And, an attorney can help you appeal the suspension of your driver's license.

Why do I need a DUI attorney from Spinella and Associates?

Because of the serious penalties with a DUI, finding an experienced DUI attorney is critical. Spinella and Associates has successfully defended many people, and our experience at trial helps us with your DUI case.

As civil rights attorneys, we bring a fresh perspective to DUI cases. Our firm has pioneered several cutting-edge strategies, such as using expert witnesses. These witnesses include professional toxicologists and roadside-sobriety experts.

If you have been accused of DUI, the legal team at Spinella and Associates can help you. Trust our experience and commitment to providing you with the best legal representation.

How do I choose a DUI attorney in Connecticut?

Choosing the right attorney for a DUI case is essential. You should consider several factors before choosing an attorney to represent you.

1. Experience. You'll want an attorney experienced in handling DUI cases in Connecticut.
2. Education. The quality of the attorney's law school matters. Find an attorney you know went to a good law school.
3. Local. You'll want someone local to the area where you received your DUI. A local DUI attorney will know the courts better than someone outside of the area.
4. Reputation. Make sure the attorney has a good reputation for representing DUI clients.
5. Responsiveness. Considering the time-sensitive nature of a DUI case, you want an attorney who responds quickly.

How much does a DUI attorney cost?

The cost of a DUI attorney in Connecticut depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case and if you go to trial. It's best to consult with a Connecticut lawyer and discuss fees.

Can I represent myself in a DUI case?

You can represent yourself in a DUI case in Connecticut, but you need to understand the laws and the process. It's best to consult with a Connecticut lawyer before deciding to represent yourself.

Will I lose my license if I'm found guilty of DUI in Connecticut?

If a court convicts you of DUI, the law requires the DMV to suspend your license for 45 days after the first and second offense. After the third offense, the DMV revokes your license.

But, you can appeal the suspension. To appeal, a Connecticut lawyer can help with the administrative process at the DMV.

What are the penalties in Connecticut for DUI?

In Connecticut, the penalties for DUI depend on how many times a court has convicted you. If you are at least 21 years old, you could face:

• First offense
  
  • $500 to $1000 fines.
  • Up to six months in jail with a mandatory of at least two days or six months of probation and 100 hours of community service.
  • License suspended for 45 days followed by one year of driving with an ignition interlock.
• Second offense
  
  • $1,000 to $4,000 fines.
  • Up to two years in jail with a mandatory of at least 120 consecutive days. Plus, probation with 100 hours of community service.
  • License suspended for 45 days followed by three years of driving with an ignition interlock. For the first year, you can only drive to and from work, school, an alcohol or drug treatment program, or an interlock service center.
• Third and any following offenses
  
  • $2,000 to $8,000 fines.
  • Up to three years in jail with a mandatory of at least one year. Plus, probation with 100 hours of community service.
  • Your license is revoked. You can get it reinstated after two years, but you can only drive vehicles equipped with ignition interlock devices. You may get this lifted after 15 years for good cause.

What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer that attaches to your car. You breathe into it before you start the vehicle. In Connecticut, your vehicle will not start if the interlock detects a BAC of 0.025%.