Many people travel through Connecticut from out of state. Some of those drivers may face legal issues after being pulled over for an alleged DUI. Out-of-state drivers arrested for intoxicated driving face consequences in Connecticut criminal courts, as well as administrative penalties like license suspension.

Connecticut can only suspend a person’s right to operate a vehicle in the state; it cannot suspend an out-of-state license in a New Britain DUI case. To learn more about what to do if you face these charges while traveling, reach out to the local lawyers at Ruane Attorneys.

Regional Rules for DUI Charges

Each state handles DUI offenses differently. For instance, “driving while ability impaired” is a separate, lesser offense than a DUI in New York and certain other states. This charge involving driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 or 0.06 does not affect a person’s license. However, Connecticut does not recognize “driving while impaired.”

In another example, a person’s license may be affected by refusing a breath test in Connecticut. However, other states may allow drivers to refuse a test without penalty. Out-of-state drivers accused of DUI should consult a New Britain attorney to learn the potential impact on their licenses.

What is the National Driver Registry?

Due to federal legislation, the national driver registry allows states to share information about their licensed drivers. Other states will know if a driver’s license is suspended in one state. For instance, suppose a person is convicted of DUI in Connecticut, and their license is suspended. They will not be able to get a driver’s license in Florida because the registry will show their out-of-state DUI conviction.

If an out-of-state driver pleads guilty to a DUI in New Britain, the offense will go on the national registry. The state where the driver got their license will know about the conviction in Connecticut and may take reciprocal action. As such, it is crucial to defend against out-of-state DUI charges and prevent license penalties by working with a local attorney.

Defending a DUI in Another State

Whether a driver has an in-state or out-of-state license when pulled over for DUI in New Britain, it is crucial to defend against the charges with help from a nearby attorney. Legal counsel could check the out-of-state driver’s history to ensure they do not have any drunk driving convictions in other states. If a state prosecutor finds prior convictions for DUI in other states, they may charge the driver as a repeat offender in Connecticut and increase the penalties.

A lawyer could get the documentation from prior cases in other jurisdictions and use them to the driver’s benefit to avoid increased penalties. For instance, the out-of-state DUI laws may differ substantially from Connecticut, or the conviction may have occurred without a lawyer present. Our New Britain attorneys could argue that the prosecution cannot label the driver a repeat offender based on that prior DUI offense in another state.

A New Britain DUI Lawyer Can Represent Out-of-State Drivers

There are many legal nuances in Connecticut DUI cases involving out-of-state licenses. To effectively navigate court proceedings and protect your rights, it is best to work with a lawyer in the area. At Ruane Attorneys, we can explain the impact of an out-of-state license in a New Britain DUI case and discuss the defenses available in your case. Give us a call today to set up a consultation about your circumstances.