A conviction for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in days to years spent in jail, depending on the circumstances and nature of the alleged offense. When you are pulled over or arrested for intoxicated driving, the stakes are high. You need a legal advocate to protect your rights and freedom.

Speak with a Meriden DUI lawyer right away when you face charges of drunk driving. Ruane Attorneys could get started on your defense right away and work diligently to secure a positive outcome in your case.

Understanding DUI Charges

Charges for driving under the influence can result from multiple circumstances. Everyone is different in how their bodies metabolize an intoxicating substance like alcohol. This means that the quantity of alcohol required for one person to exceed the legal blood alcohol limit for operating a motor vehicle may differ from another individual.

Legal Alcohol Limit

Furthermore, the blood alcohol content at which an individual may legally operate a motor vehicle depends on a few factors, including the person’s age and the type of vehicle they are driving. A person 21 years of age or older can be charged with driving under the influence if their blood alcohol content is 0.08% or more.

However, if a driver is below 21 years of age, the legally allowable limit is drastically reduced. The driver could be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol content is 0.02% or above when they are pulled over. Our DUI attorneys in Meriden could further explain the legal specifics of these charges and determine an effective defense for the situation.

Defending Against Intoxicated Driving Charges

Our lawyers in Meriden could craft numerous defenses to help mitigate or defeat DUI charges. For example, it may be possible to argue that the police violated the accused’s rights during the investigation. We could also say that the traffic stop was conducted illegally or raise issues with the breath test results.

Penalties for a DUI Charge in Meriden

The penalties for a DUI conviction depend on numerous elements. A DUI conviction can carry penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and the requirement to install and maintain an ignition interlock device (IID). Penalties increase for repeat DUI offenders.

When someone is convicted of a DUI for the first time, they face the following penalties:

• Loss of their license for 45 days
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Up to half a year in jail

They will also be required to install and maintain an IID for 12 months after their license is reinstated.

The potential jail sentence could be bumped up to 24 months for a second DUI conviction. The defendant could be required to maintain an IID for three years after their license is reinstated and pay fines up to $4,000. Regardless of a defendant’s criminal history, consulting a local attorney is crucial to defending against severe DUI penalties.

Contact a Meriden DUI Attorney Now

The outcome of a DUI arrest or charge depends on many different factors. The details surrounding your arrest, blood alcohol levels at the time of the incident, any prior offenses, and the evidence collected by law enforcement all impact the potential penalties you face.

A Meriden DUI lawyer understands the nuances of these cases and the importance of building a well-tailored defense. To speak with an attorney about your case and discuss your legal options, call Ruane Attorneys today.