When you have a DUI offense on your criminal record, you might assume a conviction is inevitable if you are arrested for intoxicated driving again. However, this is not always the case. In addition to proving the normal aspects of DUI, the prosecutor must demonstrate that your conviction occurred within a specific time frame. This creates many opportunities for an attorney to build a strong defense.

The legal team at Ruane Attorneys is prepared to defend anyone facing a second-offense DUI in Bridgeport. If you have a prior DUI conviction, we work to fight the new charges and prevent them from being counted as a second offense. This could mitigate the potential consequences and help you move forward with your life.

When Does DUI Become a Second Offense?

Many assume that a prior conviction for DUI will count as a previous offense in a second DUI case. However, this is not always true.

The prosecutor and courts can retrieve a defendant’s criminal record, but they cannot look back indefinitely into the past. State law says a prior DUI conviction can only count as a prior offense if the conviction occurred within the past ten years. Our Bridgeport attorneys could help determine if a previous conviction falls within this window for a second-offense DUI.

One complicating factor is that courts can retrieve driving records and criminal conviction reports from other states. The state’s DUI statute specifically says that DUI convictions in other states can count as a prior conviction when determining the severity of a current case. Those charged with repeat DUIs should consult a lawyer at our firm to learn whether the prior offenses may count in their current cases.

Sentencing for a Second Drunk Driving Conviction

The penalties for a second DUI conviction in Bridgeport are harsh. They include a mandatory jail sentence, a long-term loss of license, mandatory community service, and heavy fines. Specifically, a second-offense DUI in Bridgeport is a felony that can bring the following penalties:

• 45-day minimum loss of license
• 120 days to two years in jail
• Fines of up to $4,000
• 100 hours of community service
• Required installation of an ignition interlock device for three years after the end of the term of license suspension

Ruane Attorneys is ready to develop defenses to prevent the consequences of a second DUI conviction.

Proving a Repeat DUI Charge

Connecticut General Statute § 14-227a defines DUI as the operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, drugs, or a combination of the two. Prosecutors may attempt to prove intoxication through the result of a blood, breath, or urine test. If these tests show a person has a blood/alcohol content of .08% or more, the law considers the driver intoxicated. Other cases revolve around an arresting officer’s observations of a driver. An arrest and conviction can occur even if a driver never submits to a chemical test.

All DUI cases are unique and require a tailored defense. Our second-offense DUI lawyers in Bridgeport work to evaluate the evidence a prosecutor intends to bring to trial and determine a strategy that best fits the circumstances.

Talk to a Bridgeport Attorney About Second-Offense DUI Cases

Facing a second offense DUI is a serious matter. With potential penalties including a mandatory jail sentence, heavy fines, and required loss of license, the stakes are extremely high. Do not take any unnecessary chances when it comes to protecting your future.

Ruane Attorneys is ready to help after an arrest for a second-offense DUI in Bridgeport. Our lawyers can explain the nature of your charges, formulate an effective defense, and present your case in court. Throughout the legal process, we are at your side every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your case.