New Haven, Connecticut DWI Attorney

Were you arrested for DWI in New Haven, Connecticut?

Once you have been cited for violating the Connecticut DWI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous 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 driving privileges in Connecticut, 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 serious repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a Connecticut DWI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

Connecticut DWI / DUI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant 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 DMV within 7 days.

Penalties for First Time Offenders

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

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 concentration (BAC). 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 concentration (BAC) 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.

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

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

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 all your rights and options. For this reason, a competent and experienced lawyer can guide you through this challenging process. Please contact a Connecticut DUI / DWI defense lawyer for a free consultation.