Attention Clients
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No one anticipates getting arrested for a DUI. However, DUIs do happen, and in fact happen quite frequently. Every year, over a million people are arrested on DUI charges throughout the US, with around 200,000 people in Connecticut alone.
If you have been pulled over or arrested for a DUI in New Haven, Connecticut, you may be scared, overwhelmed, and even ashamed. Most of all, people going through Connecticut DUI arrests do not know what to expect, and therefore frequently act in ways that are not advantageous to them or to their case.
The State of Connecticut takes DUIs very seriously, and acts accordingly. As you will see below, the stakes for a DUI in Connecticut can be very serious. The things lead up to a DUI case—from the moment you are pulled over to the moment you are sentenced—can drastically affect the outcome of the case, and can therefore drastically affect the rest of your life. As such, there are a number of things you should know if you are ever arrested for a DUI in New Haven, Connecticut. Knowing these things can help your case in the long run and can mitigate damage before an attorney arrives.
You have rights during your DUI stop. If you are pulled over under suspicion of a DUI in New Haven, Connecticut, you have certain rights. According to Connecticut DUI law, if you are pulled over, you are required to give the officer your license, you registration, and your proof of insurance. You are NOT required to give them any additional information. This includes answering questions about whether you have been drinking or how much you have had to drink. You are also not required to undergo a Field Sobriety Test (maneuvers that are performed by a person, ostensibly to test their sobriety), or to submit to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (a breathalyzer preliminarily during the stop). If an officer tells you that you are required to do any of the abovementioned things, they are not acting in accordance with Connecticut State Law.
There are serious potential penalties for a DUI in Connecticut. If you are arrested for a DUI in New Haven, Connecticut, the potential penalties you may face can be quite steep. In addition, a DUI arrest will set off two separate processes: a criminal process through the New Haven Superior Court, and a civil process through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
For a first-time DUI offender, penalties may include:
For a second-time DUI offender, penalties may include:
For a third-time or subsequent DUI offender, penalties may include:
An attorney can help—and is essential for a good outcome. Though the potential penalties for a New Haven DUI are no joking matter, a DUI arrest does not necessarily mean that you will suffer the worst consequences that Connecticut has to offer. In many cases, especially first-time DUI cases, Connecticut DUI judges are willing to extend leniency if presented with the right argument on a defendant’s behalf. However, in order for that to happen in your case, it is absolutely essential for you to have an experienced, knowledgeable New Haven DUI attorney on your side. The right DUI attorney can properly examine your case and may be able to get potential sentencing reduced, or even get your conviction thrown out altogether.
If you are facing a DUI in New Haven, Connecticut, Attorney Steven Tomeo is ready to help. Attorney Tomeo is a qualified expert in Connecticut DUI law, with years of experience both in and out of the courtroom. He knows what it takes to go to bat for his clients, and to deliver the best possible results in New Haven DUI cases. He also knows what’s at stake for his clients, and will do everything in his power to advocate on their behalf. Don’t let a DUI derail your life. Call Steven Tomeo and Associates now at (860) 963-7441 for a free consultation on your case.