Drunk driving laws have become more strict and penalties more severe. Prosecutors are intolerant of drunk drivers. It is important that you have experienced legal representation when facing DUI-DWI charges in Connecticut. A conviction for a Driving Under the Influence ("DUI") in Connecticut will have serious consequences, including suspension of your driver's license and a dramatic increase in insurance costs. In addition a criminal record can affect your employment, your future and your personal freedom.

Connecticut Drunk Driving Attorney Patrick J. will provide an aggressive defense against charges of drunk dringina and will take advantage of all pre-trial diversion programs and first ofender programs available.

What is Driving Under the Influence?
Legal intoxication is defined as having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of.08 or higher. If you are under 21 years of age, legally intoxication is defined as having a BAC of .02 BAC or higher.

Tests to prove DUI
There are different types of tests that the police may ask you to take if you are suspected drunk driving. To establish your BAC you may be asked to take breathalyzer test or a blood test. In addition the police may ask you to take a field sobriety test.

Do I have to take a breathalyzer test?
The short answer is "Yes." 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 concentration (BAC). You will be asked to submit to a BAC test. If you refuse, your license will be suspended for 6 months by the Department of Motor Vehicles for refusal to submit to the test.

What if I fail the breathalyzer test?
If you take a breathalyzer test and it registers a BAC of .08 or higher, you will be held on the presumption that you were operating under the influence. You will be kept in a police lock-up until you are bailed out.

What Happens To First Time Offenders in Connecticut?

First Offense Blood Alcohol Level of .08 or higher

• Fine: $500 to $1,000
• 6 months in jail, 48 hours of which must be served as a mandatory minimum. Depending on your case we may be able to negotiate a suspended sentence with community service.
• Suspension of driving privileges for one year. This is an administrative sanctions imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Minors: First Offense Blood Alcohol Level of .02 or higher

If you are under investigation for drunk driving or have been charged you should immediately contact a qualified criminal defense attorney, in order to secure all possible legal defenses that are available.

Contact our firm to secure the legal representation you need.