Westport DUI Defense Law Firm Familiar with Connecticut Law
Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorneys Defend Drivers Against DUI Charges
In Connecticut, a driver is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) if he registers .08 percent or above on a blood alcohol test (BAC). If he is under 21 years old, the legal limit is .02 percent or over.
The state has strong mandatory penalties, even for a first offense DUI, and when a driver gets his license in Connecticut, he gives his consent to be tested for DUI at any time – this is known as implied consent.
Implied Consent
Connecticut has an implied consent law, meaning that if a motorist arrested for DUI refuses to consent to a chemical test, he will be subject to a fine and automatic license suspension. The arresting officer must have probable cause that the motorist was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to make the arrest, is required to advise the driver of his constitutional rights, and explain that should he refuse to take the test, his license will be suspended and that evidence of the refusal can be used against him in court.
Penalties
The penalties for a DUI in Connecticut are as follows:
- First offense – two days to six months in jail, $500 to $1,000 in fines and penalties, license suspension for one year
- Second offense – 120 days up to two years in jail, $1,000 to $4,000 in fines and penalties, license suspension for one year, and ignition interlock device required
- Third offense – one to three years in jail, $2,000 to $8,000 in fines and penalties, and permanent license suspension
Connecticut has a statutory "look back period" of two years, meaning the period of time that prior DUIs are relevant for sentencing purposes.
If you are charged with DUI in Westport, Connecticut, the attorneys at Mark M. Kratter, LLC,have been successfully defending Connecticut citizens against DUI charges since 1993. They'll review your case, give you options, and provide you with the strongest defense possible. Contact our firm online or call 203-678-8135 to set up a free initial case evaluation today.
