Experience and Expertise in Your Connecticut DUI Defense
Being arrested for a DUI in New London can have far-reaching consequences, but an alarming number of people don’t hire a lawyer to help them face the charges. Perhaps some of them believe pleading guilty is the only option, while others underestimate the severity of the criminal offense and don’t see the need to spend money on a criminal defense attorney.
However, navigating a DUI charge without qualified representation can be extremely risky. At The Sills Law Firm, New London DUI Lawyers have the experience necessary to defend you against DUI charges and minimize their impact on your life. We understand that a conviction can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and the loss of your driver’s license. That’s why we are dedicated to providing dedicated support and aggressive defense for clients facing DUI charges.
If you have been arrested for DUI, it is crucial that you contact a New London criminal lawyer as soon as possible. We will work tirelessly to challenge the charges against you and protect your freedom, so contact The Sills Law Firm now at (866) 970-9818.
Roadblocks Ahead: The Impact of a DUI Charge on Your Life
The state classifies drunk driving offenses based on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level, prior convictions, and other factors. Some are misdemeanor charges while others are felony charges. Depending on the offense, administrative and criminal penalties can range from fines and license suspensions to jail time and mandatory alcohol education classes.
- For a first-time DUI offense, the penalties include a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail (with 48 hours being a minimum mandatory), and a 45-day license suspension, and installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year after the license restoration.. Additional penalties include 100 hours of community service.
- A second DUI offense within ten years of a prior DUI carries a fine of up to $4,000, up to two years in jail (with 120 days being a minimum mandatory), 100 hours of community service, and installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for three years after the license restoration.
- A third DUI offense within ten years of the first one is punishable by a fine of up to $8,000, up to three years in jail (with 1 year being a minimum mandatory), 100 hours of community service, and permanent license revocation. The offender will also have to wait two years before requesting a hearing for license restoration.
If aggravating factors are present, such as excessive speed, causing injury or death, or driving with a minor in the motor vehicle, the criminal and administrative penalties can be even more severe. In this case, an offender may face increased fines, longer jail sentences, and longer license suspensions.
It is important to remember that a DUI arrest can change your life in significant ways. It can impact your finances, your freedom, and your ability to drive (which can affect the employment prospects of commercial drivers). If you are facing a criminal charge for DUI, it is crucial to seek qualified legal representation from a New London DUI Lawyer to protect your rights and your future.
Don’t Go it Alone – Trust the New London DUI Defense Experts!
Our New London DUI Lawyers are criminal defense lawyers with a strong background in DUI representation and have the skills and experience needed to get the best results in your case. They understand the legal system and the nuances of Connecticut DUI law and can use this knowledge to build a strong defense on your behalf.
One of the main benefits of hiring a New London DUI lawyer is that they can help you understand your situation. They can explain the charges against you, the potential penalties you face, and your options for defending yourself. They can also guide you through the various stages of the legal process, from arraignment to trial, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Another advantage is that they can build a strong defense strategy. Your Connecticut DUI defense attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the actions of the police and the reliability of any evidence or test results. Based on this investigation, they can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a defense that is tailored to your specific circumstances.
Ultimately, a Connecticut DUI defense lawyer can help you achieve the most favorable outcome. Whether that means getting the drunk driving charges against you reduced or dismissed or taking your case to trial and fighting for a not-guilty verdict, an experienced lawyer can provide the guidance and representation you need at this difficult time.
At The Sills Law Firm, we understand the ins and outs of Connecticut DUI law: founder Jonathan Sills has tried more of these defense cases to verdict than any other attorney in this state. With years of experience and a strong track record, we can provide valuable insights and a strategic defense that few other firms can match. When you hire us, you’ll have a diligent advocate who will go the extra mile to fight for your future.
FAQS
What Should I Say If a Policeman Asks Me If I’ve Been Drinking?
You can simply say something like “I respectfully decline to answer that question, officer.” Keep in mind that you should always be polite and cooperative with the police, but you are not required to answer any questions that could be used against you in court.
If an officer has probable cause to believe that you have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can arrest you regardless of whether you admit to drinking or not. In Connecticut, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. If the officer has reason to believe that you are above this limit, they may conduct field sobriety tests or ask you to take a breathalyzer test.
If you are arrested for DUI in Connecticut, it’s important to contact a skilled DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf, potentially reducing the consequences of a criminal conviction.
Do I Have the Right to an Attorney When the Police Ask Me to Do Field Sobriety Tests?
No, although you are within your rights to refuse these tests. However, you do have the right to consult with a drunk driving defense attorney before deciding whether to submit or refuse chemical testing. These tests include:
- Blood Test: Blood alcohol content tests involve taking a sample of your blood, which is then analyzed in a lab to determine the concentration of drugs or alcohol in your system. This test is the most accurate way to measure a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but it is also the most invasive.
- Breath Tests: Breath tests, also known as breathalyzers, involve blowing into a handheld device that measures the amount of alcohol in your breath. Although less invasive than blood tests, they are not as accurate, and there are several factors that can create a false positive, including certain medical conditions.
- Urine Tests: Urine tests involve collecting a urine sample and analyzing it for the presence of drugs or alcohol. Like breathalyzers, this test is less accurate and can be influenced by factors like the timing of the sample collection and your metabolism.
It’s also worth noting that if you refuse to submit to chemical testing, your driver’s license is revoked, and the automatic suspension period will depend on factors like your age, record, and whether you’ve refused testing before. This is why it’s important to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.
How Long Will a Connecticut DUI Appear on My Driving and Criminal Record?
In Connecticut, a DUI conviction will appear on both your driving and criminal record for a significant period of time. The length of time varies depending on the circumstances of your case.
- A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for 10 years. During this time, it will be visible to anyone who requests a copy of your driving record, including employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies. The conviction may also result in increased insurance rates and other penalties.
- DUI conviction will remain permanently on your criminal record. This means that it will be visible to anyone who conducts a criminal background check, including employers, landlords, and other agencies. The conviction may also result in other long-term consequences, such as limitations on your ability to obtain certain types of employment, licenses, or certifications.
It’s important to note that even if you are not convicted of DUI, an arrest for DUI may still appear on your criminal record and be visible to the public. This can be damaging to your reputation and may affect your future opportunities, but an experienced attorney may be able to help you seek an absolute pardon that removes the arrest (and even a conviction) from your record.
Questions? Get a Free Consultation From Our New London DUI Lawyers
Don’t underestimate the severity of DUI charges and the impact they could have on your life. At The Sills Law Firm, our experienced New London DUI lawyers can help you build a strong defense strategy by reviewing the evidence, challenging any procedural errors or constitutional violations, and fighting to protect your legal rights. To schedule an initial consultation with our criminal defense team, call (866) 970-9818 or use this contact form. We have offices in Hartford and Waterbury to better serve you.