Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges in the New Britain area. However, these charges are also some of the most misunderstood. For instance, many people are unaware that DUI allegations can involve substances other than alcohol.

Whether you are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, street drugs, or even legal medications, a DUI conviction can significantly impact your life. State law says that any conviction can come with a jail sentence. You may also face a license suspension, hefty fines, and required attendance at a drug education course. You need support from a New Britain drug DUI lawyer to avoid potential penalties.

Ruane Attorneys could help you fight back against these allegations. Our legal team could analyze the police work that led to your arrest, find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protect your rights throughout the process.

What is the Legal Definition of Impairment?

There are two ways a prosecutor may attempt to prove intoxicated driving in court under Connecticut General Statute § 14-227a. The most straightforward is to introduce the results of a blood test or other scientific evidence. If a test indicates the presence of drugs in a person’s blood, the officer could use this to justify an arrest.

Officers can also arrest a driver based on their observations. If an officer has a valid reason to pull over a driver, they may observe:

• The smell of drugs, such as marijuana
• Slurred speech
• Glassy eyes
• Drowsiness

These are all indicators of intoxication due to drugs. The officer may also ask the driver to perform a field sobriety test, although they are not obligated to participate. In cases like these, a New Britain drug DUI attorney could work to refute the officer’s observations and question their reliability.

Penalties for a Drug DUI Conviction in New Britain

The penalties for even a first-time DUI conviction are harsh. A convicted driver faces a possible jail term of six months and a fine of between $500 and $1,000. A court may also suspend their driver’s license for at least 45 days. Sometimes, the court may order the driver to attend a drug education program or rehabilitation sessions at their own expense.

A drug DUI lawyer at our firm works to prevent these severe penalties. In some cases, our attorneys may be able to strike a plea deal with prosecutors to reduce the DUI charge to reckless driving. While this is still a criminal conviction, a reckless driving charge does not come with a required license suspension or mandatory jail sentence. Our New Britain lawyers could further explain the legal options for defending against drug DUI charges.

Let a New Britain Drug DUI Attorney Help You

The mere allegation of intoxicated driving can change your life. Whether this is your first experience with the legal system or you have prior DUIs on your record, you should discuss the potential penalties of a conviction with an attorney. Legal representation could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

A New Britain drug DUI lawyer at Ruane Attorneys is prepared to fight for you. We work to examine the credibility of the arresting officer’s observations, dispute the accuracy of any chemical tests, and protect your rights every step of the way. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you.