Depend on Skilled Representation
In Connecticut, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle if you are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs – even prescription or over-the-counter medications! Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense in our state that can result in a driver’s license suspension, hefty fines and fees, and time in jail. In addition, you may face many collateral consequences for a DUI conviction – such as increased car insurance costs.
Fortunately, you don’t have to simply plead guilty to a DUI charge. There are many possible defenses to a DUI. You may even be able to have the charge dismissed after participating in an intervention program. A Stamford criminal defense attorney can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
The Sills Law Firm represents clients in Stamford and Norwalk who have been charged with all types of DUI offenses, from first-offense misdemeanors to felony DUIs. We analyze each case to develop a defense strategy – and then work to get the charge reduced or dismissed through plea negotiation, motion work, or a verdict at trial. Reach out to our law office to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Stamford DUI Charges
Under Connecticut law, you can be charged with operating under the influence (OUI) if you operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. More commonly referred to as a DUI, this charge may be brought if you were too impaired to safely operate your vehicle or if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above a certain threshold. For adults, the legal limit is .08 BAC, while the legal limit for individuals under the age of 21 is .02.
If you are charged with a DUI in the state of Connecticut, you could face serious consequences. Depending on the facts of your case, it could be charged as either a misdemeanor DUI or a felony DUI. Generally, if you have two or more DUIs within 10 years (known as the lookback period), it will be charged as a felony. In addition, if you hurt or kill someone as a result of drunk or drugged driving, you may face additional felony charges.
The penalties for a DUI may include:
- First Offense DUI: a fine of $500 and $1000, a jail term of up to 6 months, and a 45-day license suspension followed by installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year.
- Second Offense DUI: a fine of $1000 and $4000, a prison term of up to 2 years, and a 45-day license suspension followed by an IID for 3 years. You will also need to do 100 hours of community service as part of your probation.
- Third Offense DUI: a fine of $2000 and $8000, a prison term of up to 3 years, and a permanent license revocation. You may be eligible for reinstatement after 2 years, but you will be required to install an IID for a minimum of 15 years. You will also need to do 100 hours of community service as part of your probation.
For any type of DUI offense, you will be required to complete a substance abuse or alcohol education program before your driving privileges can be restored.
While these penalties are harsh, they aren’t a foregone conclusion. An aggressive Stamford DUI defense lawyer can work with you to help you achieve a better outcome – like having the charge reduced or even dismissed entirely.
Depend on Skilled Representation
Hiring a DUI attorney is the first thing you need to do after receiving a DUI charge in Connecticut. State law is notorious for imposing harsh sentences on DUI offenders, and your best defense is a skilled and experienced lawyer. At The Sills Law Firm, our DUI attorneys have 20+ years of collective experience and a comprehensive understanding of Connecticut DUI laws.
Don’t let a DUI charge become a conviction on your criminal record. Contact The Sills Law Firm at (866) 971-3918 to learn how our Stamford DUI attorneys can help you.
Fighting Your DUI Charge
Connecticut law imposes increasingly stricter penalties each time you are charged with a DUI offense. Without the representation of an experienced DUI lawyer, you could face jail time and have your license suspended. Fortunately, our Stamford DUI attorneys have the knowledge and resources to help even a third-time offender!
We represent the following cases:
There are many possible defenses to a DUI charge. Your defense could be based on the facts of your case or even a violation of your constitutional rights. An experienced Stamford DUI defense attorney will thoroughly investigate the charges against you to put together the strongest possible defense.
For example, consider a situation where you get pulled over for a DUI in the spring. The officer could have noted “objective signs of intoxication” like red, watery eyes that were actually a symptom of seasonal allergies! Alternatively, if you have a health issue like diabetes or GERD, it is possible for a breath test to come back with a false positive.
Alternatively, if the police violated the constitution when they stopped you or arrested you, that may be grounds to challenge the arrest. Your attorney will research Connecticut case law and draft a motion to the court to have the evidence suppressed – which may result in the charges being dismissed entirely.
For a first-time offense, your attorney could argue that you should be able to participate in the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP). Getting into this program isn’t automatic, but your Stamford DUI lawyer can put together an argument to get the court to approve your entry into it. If you successfully complete IDIP, then your DUI could be dismissed entirely.
We Wrote the Book
At The Sills Law Firm, our lawyers have handled thousands of difficult DUI cases. Because of our successful track record, we have been featured in various news and media outlets. Our team proudly includes noteworthy attorney Jonathan Sills, author of Connecticut DUI Law. This Connecticut Practice Series book is used in law schools nationwide and teaches students and legal practitioners how to defend DUI cases.
The Personal Touch Matters
Our team is proud to offer compassionate, high-quality representation to our clients. When you retain our services, we thoroughly investigate your case, utilize all available resources, and customize an aggressive defense plan all for your benefit. We steadfastly defend our clients from the first consultation and won’t stop until the case is resolved.
Schedule a Consultation with a Stamford DUI Lawyer Today
Being charged with a DUI can be incredibly stressful. You may be worried about how having a DUI conviction on your criminal record will affect your life – and your future. Our law firm can help.
You want to hire the best representation available when you’re facing a DUI conviction in Connecticut. Contact The Sills Law Firm to learn how our Stamford DUI defense attorneys can fight your charge. We care about your future and don’t want you to live a life burdened by a criminal record. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Stamford DUI defense attorney, give us a call at 860-524-8118 or fill out our online contact form.
