The consequences following a DUI conviction are severe. A conviction can result in a jail term, fines, and a license suspension for people facing first-time DUI charges. For the most part, the court is lenient with people who may have made a one-time mistake. However, when a person is charged with a second or subsequent DUI, the court will treat this as a felony.

Convictions here are extremely harsh, with mandatory jail sentences, hefty fines, and the loss of your license for years. When you face aggravated DUI charges, you must take every step possible to protect yourself. A Bridgeport aggravated DUI lawyer can advise you on seeking a positive outcome in your case. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys will work to preserve your rights and freedoms following a repeat DUI charge.

The Law for Repeat Drunk Driving Charges

Connecticut General Statute § 14-227a outlines the offense of operating a vehicle in a public area under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The potential severity of the charge depends on a person’s previous criminal record and the specific events that led to their arrest.

A person with one prior conviction for DUI faces severe penalties if they are convicted for a second offense. The potential penalties include the following:

• A jail term of 120 days to two years
• Fines between $1,000 and $4,000
• A mandatory loss of license for 45 days
• The installation of an ignition interlock device for three years
• Probation and 100 hours of community service

The penalties are even harsher if a person has two or more prior DUI convictions on their criminal record. Our Bridgeport attorneys can explain how prior convictions are aggravating factors in all DUI cases. We could contest the defendant’s prior DUIs or build a defense around other facts in the case to minimize the potential penalties.

Aggravated DUIs Involving Harm to Others

A prior DUI conviction is the most common reason a DUI case becomes a felony. However, multiple prior convictions are not the only potential aggravating factor in DUI cases. Another aggravating factor is if the event causes serious bodily injury or death to another person.

In these situations, the driver could face multiple felony-level charges related to the incident. Not only could they face aggravated DUI charges, where convictions come with mandatory jail time, but the prosecutor could also pursue vehicular assault or manslaughter charges. When a severe car accident in Bridgeport leads to aggravated DUI charges, the accused person needs immediate legal counsel to defend against serious penalties.

Contact a Bridgeport Aggravated DUI Attorney Now

Whenever a person is charged with a felony related to drunk driving, disproving that they were intoxicated is always a priority. If the accident resulted in another person being injured or killed, it is even more critical for the defendant to show that they were not drunk at the time of the incident.

A Bridgeport aggravated DUI lawyer defends drivers against these accusations and works to mitigate the potential penalties. Using a combination of evidentiary motions and cross-examination, our goal is to create reasonable doubt concerning the prosecution’s case. The consequences of a conviction are severe, so do not take unnecessary chances. Contact Ruane Attorneys today to discuss your case.