New Haven DUI Attorney

Being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) has serious consequences that increase dramatically with subsequent charges and convictions. A conviction of a first New Haven DUI could result in a fine and jail time. You could face the loss of your license for a period of time and be required to attend drug and alcohol education classes.

Second and third offenses could have longer license suspension periods, higher fines, more jail time, and other serious consequences. If you were involved in an accident while driving drunk, or if you were under 21, additional penalties could apply. This makes it critical to have an experienced DUI lawyer who is able to help you navigate the criminal and administrative legal systems.

The Stakes Are High

At the New Haven law firm of Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, we have been defending people against DUI charges for almost 70 years. We understand that the stakes can be high. A conviction of even a first-time DUI can affect your ability to be hired for certain jobs, admitted to some educational programs, or accepted at some housing complexes. The loss of your license may also affect your ability to work or get to your job. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, contact a New Haven DUI lawyer as soon as possible. We know how to help.

Why Hire Our New Haven DUI Attorneys?

Our DUI lawyers do everything possible to achieve the best outcome possible for clients charged with driving under the influence. We examine the validity of the traffic stop, and verify that the Intoxilyzer blood alcohol content test was administered properly. We work to restore your driver’s license as soon as possible. Most importantly, our New Haven criminal defense lawyers explore the possibility of alternative sentencing to keep you out of jail and your driving record clean.

What Are Connecticut’s DUI Laws and Penalties?

In Connecticut, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This criminal offense can result in serious penalties that can have a major impact on your life. 

A person is legally intoxicated if his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches 0.08% or higher. If the driver is under the age of 21, he or she may receive a DUI if his or her BAC is 0.02% or higher.

A DUI conviction can lead to administrative penalties, such as the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license. Additionally, you could face the following criminal penalties based on the number of previous offenses:

• First Offense: This crime is punishable by a maximum of six months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. In some cases, the prison sentence is suspended, and the driver is required to complete 100 hours of community service.
• Second Offense: If this offense is the driver’s second DUI conviction within a 10-year period, he or she could face up to two years in prison. The driver may pay up to $4,000 in fines and complete 100 hours of community service during probation. The court may also require the driver to attend a drug and alcohol treatment program.
• Third Offense: If the driver commits three DUIs within a three-year period, he or she could face up to 3 years in prison and up to $8,000 in fines. The driver will need to complete 100 hours of community service and may also need to attend a drug and alcohol treatment program.

If the driver causes an accident, someone’s death, or any property damage, these penalties can be enhanced. For example, if someone dies in a DUI accident, the intoxicated driver could be charged with second-degree manslaughter and face serious penalties like prison time. 

Why You Should Hire a DUI Defense Attorney

A DUI charge is not something that you should take lightly. These penalties can have a major impact on your life, affecting your freedom, financial health, and quality of life. If you are facing a conviction, you need a defense attorney on your side who can protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Hiring a New Haven DUI defense attorney can provide several benefits to your case. Your attorney will understand Connecticut DUI laws and can help you navigate the complex criminal justice process. He or she can leverage this knowledge and work to minimize your penalties or even request that the court dismiss the charges against you.

Additionally, your license will be restricted immediately after your arrest, which can have a major impact on your ability to work or travel. Your lawyer can help you retain and reinstate your license faster by working to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. 

Your attorney will be available to handle all matters related to your case on your behalf, which can help reduce the time that you spend in court. Additionally, your lawyer can provide valuable support throughout the process and answer any questions that you may have. 

Contact Attorneys With Significant DUI Defense Experience

While not all of these approaches are suitable for every circumstance, you can be certain that the DUI lawyers at Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, will investigate every option that applies to your case. Our goal is always to keep you out of jail with your driving privileges intact.

If you have been charged with a DUI, contact a law firm with many years of experience in drunk driving defense. From our New Haven office we serve Stamford, Hartford, Bridgeport, New London, Waterbury and all of Connecticut.