Being accused of driving a vehicle while impaired is a serious matter. At a minimum, a conviction will require the payment of heavy fines and force you to lose your license for at least 45 days. In cases that allege extreme intoxication, subsequent offenses, or other aggravating factors, the potential penalties are even more severe. It is vitally important that you begin building your defense as soon as possible.

A Bridgeport DUI lawyer is here to assist you in this process. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys is prepared to evaluate the reasons for your arrest and examine the prosecutor’s case. We could work to raise reasonable doubt at trial or convince a court to allow you to enter a diversion program instead of facing jail time.

Legal Definition of DUI

According to Connecticut General Statute § 14-227a, a person is guilty of DUI when operating a motor vehicle on a public road while having a blood/alcohol content of .08 percent or more. To prove these cases, an arresting officer may insist that a driver submits to a breath or blood test to measure their level of intoxication.

Although many cases revolve around these measurements, this is not the only way a prosecutor may prove intoxication in court. The same statute says that a case may move forward on the theory that a driver suffered from a reduced ability to control a vehicle due to drug or alcohol use. Even if a person refuses to take a test to measure their blood/alcohol content, a case may still move forward. A Bridgeport attorney could provide more information about the state’s DUI laws and what a prosecutor needs to prove to obtain a conviction.

Penalties for a Drunk Driving Conviction in Bridgeport

DUI cases are misdemeanors under state law. This means that a conviction will result in the creation of a criminal record. It also means that a court may impose a collection of penalties after a conviction, including:

• A jail sentence of up to six months
• A fine of between $500 and $1,000
• A loss of license for at least 45 days
• A requirement that a driver install an ignition interlock system at their own expense

It is important to note that these penalties apply to a first DUI conviction with no aggravating factors. Harsher penalties are likely to result from subsequent cases or those involving property damage or personal injury.

Defending Against Intoxicated Driving Charges

A Bridgeport DUI lawyer works to help people avoid this outcome. One option is to fight the charges at trial. A local attorney could challenge the reason for the traffic stop, evaluate the outcome of breath or blood tests, and call the recollections of the arresting officer into question. This could help raise reasonable doubt concerning the prosecutor’s case.

Another choice is to seek out enrollment in the Pretrial Alcohol Education Program. This court-sponsored diversion program allows first-time DUI defendants to enter educational classes and treatment options to reduce the likelihood of future impaired driving. A person completing this program could see a court dismiss the charge. A DUI attorney could help determine if this option is available for those facing charges in Bridgeport.

Speak with a Bridgeport DUI Attorney Now

DUI arrests are serious matters that have the potential to impact every part of your life. If convicted, you could lose your license, suffer significant financial harm, and even spend time in jail.

Let a Bridgeport DUI lawyer help protect your rights. At Ruane Attorneys, we can recommend a course of action based on your specific goals and the facts of your case. This could include asking a court for entry into a pretrial diversion program or fighting the allegations at trial. Reach out to our firm now to get started.