Hartford DUI Attorneys

Lawyers Helping to Defend Against Connecticut Drunk Driving Charges

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Connecticut, carrying penalties that can include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time. A DUI conviction can have long-term consequences, including higher insurance rates, difficulty securing employment, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

If you have been charged with DUI in Connecticut, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, we have been defending clients against DUI and other traffic-related offenses for decades, and our lawyers have 60+ years of combined legal experience. We provide aggressive legal representation to help clients challenge DUI charges and minimize the impact of a conviction.

DUI Laws in Connecticut

Drivers in Connecticut are prohibited from operating motor vehicles with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. This legal limit applies to adult drivers over the age of 21. For drivers under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher could result in DUI charges. A person may also be charged with DUI if they are accused of driving under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or other substances that impair their driving ability.

Field Sobriety and Chemical Testing in DUI Cases

When a police officer suspects a driver of being under the influence, they may request that the driver perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) at the side of the road. These tests assess balance, coordination, and cognitive function. They may include physical tests such as maintaining balance while standing on one foot or walking in a straight line. An officer may also ask a person to track a moving object with their eyes, and they will look for involuntary eye movements.

While field sobriety tests are not always accurate, failing them may provide probable cause for an arrest. However, FSTs can be challenged in court based on issues such as officer errors, medical conditions, poor testing conditions, or other factors.

After an arrest, a driver will typically be required to take a breath, blood, or urine test to measure their BAC. Connecticut enforces an implied consent law, and refusing to take a chemical test after being arrested will result in an automatic license suspension.

However, breathalyzer and blood tests are not always reliable. Equipment malfunctions, improper administration, or medical conditions can lead to false readings, and these test results can often be challenged in court.

Penalties for DUI Convictions in Connecticut

The penalties that apply if a person is convicted of DUI will depend on whether it is a first-time charge or a repeat offense.

• First-Time DUI Offense: A person's license will be suspended for 45 days, and they will be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID) in any vehicle they drive for one year. They may be fined $500 to $1,000. The maximum jail sentence is six months, and the minimum sentence is two days, although this sentence may be suspended if they complete 100 hours of community service.
• Second DUI Offense Within 10 Years of a Previous Offense: A person's license will be suspended for 45 days, and they will be required to use an IID for three years. They may be fined $1,000 to $4,000. The maximum jail sentence is two years, and the minimum sentence is 120 days. In addition to a jail sentence, a person may be required to serve a term of probation in which they must complete 100 hours of community service and may be required to receive drug or alcohol abuse treatment.
• Third or Subsequent DUI Offense Within 10 Years: A person's license will be revoked, and if their license is later restored, they will be required to use an IID for at least 15 years. They may be fined $2,000 to $8,000. The maximum jail sentence is three years, and the minimum sentence is one year. Requirements for probation, community service, and drug or alcohol abuse treatment will also apply.

DUI With Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can lead to enhanced penalties for those who are convicted of DUI. These include the presence of a minor in the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense, an accident in which someone was injured or killed, or DUI committed after a person's license had been suspended or revoked. Felony charges will usually apply in these cases, and the penalties for a conviction will be more severe, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

Contact Our Hartford, CT DUI Defense Lawyers

At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, we defend people who have been charged with drunk driving. We have over 60 years of combined experience handling cases involving DUI and traffic offenses, including assault with a motor vehicle, vehicular manslaughter, and driving with a suspended license.

When you need to respond to these charges and determine your best options for defense, please do not hesitate to contact us at 860-290-8690 to set up an appointment. We will provide you with a detailed evaluation at no cost to you. Our office is open evenings and weekends by appointment, and we accept all major credit cards. By getting in touch with us as soon as possible, you can make sure you will have a skilled lawyer in your corner during your case.