DUI Defense in Connecticut
If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Connecticut, you probably have questions about the legal and administrative processes you are facing. At the Law Offices of Diane Polan, I can answer your questions about DUI in Connecticut and help you fight charges aggressively.
Contact my law office in New Haven today to schedule a free attorney consultation to talk about your charges. Otherwise, see below for answers to your frequently asked questions about DUI law:
What happens if I fail the breath test?
If you fail the Breathalyzer test, you will lose your license for either 90 days or 120 days, depending on how high your reading was.
What happens if I refuse the breath test?
If you refuse to take the Breathalyzer test during a traffic stop, you will lose your license for six months. Again, if this is not your first DUI arrest, the loss of license may be longer.
Can I continue driving after getting arrested for DUI?
Possibly. The State of Connecticut offers both a work permit and a school permit. With one of these permits, you may be eligible to drive to and from work, or to and from school or college. To be eligible for a work or school permit, you must serve some part of your suspension.
Does Connecticut have diversion programs?
Yes. If this is your first DUI offense, we can help you determine if you are eligible for a diversion program which may ultimately result in a dismissal of all charges. This would be granted upon completion of an Alcohol Education Program (AEP).
What is an administrative per se hearing?
If you have been charged with DUI in Connecticut, you are entitled to an administrative per se hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This is a separate administrative matter not related to your criminal case. In this hearing, it will be determine whether or not your license will be suspended.
What are section 14-215c charges?
If you are caught driving under while your license has been suspended after a DUI arrest, you face a minimum mandatory 30-day jail sentence. It is important to consult an experienced DUI attorney to determine if you can claim an exemption from that jail sentence.
What happens if I caused an accident while drinking and driving?
If you caused an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol, you could be charged with more serious charges, including assault with a motor vehicle and manslaughter with a motor vehicle. The penalties increase significantly for these crimes compared to DUI.
I am not from Connecticut, but I got arrested for DUI here. What will happen?
If you are an out-of-state driver who has been arrested for drunk driving in Connecticut, you could be facing immediate license suspension for 24 hours following your arrest. Additionally, you may lose your privilege to drive in Connecticut for a period of time. You may also face license suspension in your home state.
I have a commercial driver's license (CDL). How does a DUI differ for me?
The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers with a CDL is .04 (as opposed to .08 for an adult with a normal license.) CDL holders may risk losing their licenses, which can affect their ability to work.
What is the legal limit for drivers under the age of 21?
The legal standards for DUI are different for people under the age of 21. A driver under 21 can be convicted for drunk driving if his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) is above .02 (the legal limit for an adult over the age of 21 is .08).
Contact My New Haven Law Office
To schedule a free telephone consultation with a DUI law lawyer, contact me online or call 203-865-5000.
