DWI Lawyer - Meriden, Connecticut

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing a DWI (DUI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and professional DWI defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

Arrested for DWI in Meriden, 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 driver's license by the Connecticut DMV. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Connecticut, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Connecticut Administrative Hearing for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

In Connecticut, an individual has 7 (seven) days to request an administrative hearing from the Connecticut DMV. If you fail to request a hearing within 7 (seven) 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 very important that you file your request to the Connecticut DMV within 7 (seven) days.

DWI / DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment in Meriden, Connecticut may be required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Connecticut.
• DWI / DUI - 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.
• Connecticut Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI / 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.
• Fines - In Meriden, Connecticut, fines for a first time DWI are a minimum of $500.00, up to a maximum of $1,000.00.
• Driving Privileges and DWI - In Meriden, Connecticut, a first time DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Connecticut for 1 year.
• Jail Time - A first time DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offender faces imprisonment 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.

It is possible to recognize drivers who may have been drinking or using other drugs. They may:

• Drive on the wrong side of the road.
• Run off the pavement.
• Stop too quickly or slowly.
• Weave within their lane.
• Drive too quickly or slowly.
• Go through stop signs or other signals.

Connecticut Anti-Drunk Driving Laws

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.

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 concentration). 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 concentration) or higher.

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 capable and professional defense lawyer can guide you through this challenging process. Please contact a Connecticut DWI or DUI defense lawyer for a free consultation.