Bridgeport, Connecticut DWI Defense Lawyer

Arrested for DWI in Bridgeport, Connecticut?

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). While both actions can result in the suspension of your Connecticut driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on its own.

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a Connecticut DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced DWI defense attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options.

Connecticut DUI or DWI Administrative Hearing

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

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Bridgeport, Connecticut, fines for a first time DWI are a minimum of $500.00, up to a maximum of $1,000.00.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI or DWI 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.
• Driving Privileges - A first time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of Connecticut driving privileges for 1 year.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment may be required for reinstatement of Connecticut driving privileges.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level 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.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Connecticut for 6 months.

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 all your rights and options. This is why a capable and knowledgeable defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Connecticut DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) for a fast, free consultation.

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.

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 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) 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 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) 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.