Allegations of intoxicated driving are often a person’s first and only experience with criminal charges. After a traffic stop or arrest, you may be terrified and unsure of what to do. Many prosecutors in Connecticut look at a DUI case, assume that the police have done everything perfectly, and fail to look closely at the facts, even if there are real issues with the evidence’s reliability.

If you face first-time DUI charges in Shelton, consult an attorney to learn your rights and prevent potential penalties. Legal representation from Ruane Attorneys can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Traffic Stops for a First-Time DUI Defendant

When the police officer approaches the car, the driver should be respectful, answer their questions, and follow their directions. However, if the police ask where the driver is coming from, they must answer carefully. If they say a restaurant or dinner, the police officers will ask how much they have had to drink. A driver who says they have had anything to drink may face an arrest for DUI.

It is best to politely refuse to answer anything other than one’s identity, home address, telephone number, and other similar questions. However, if a driver faces first-time DUI charges after a traffic stop, they should contact a Shelton attorney for further advice.

Court Process for First DUI Offenses in Shelton

DUI cases are heard in a lower level of court. For first-time charges, judges will ask whether the defendant wants to use the Impaired Driving Intervention Program. This program involves attending classes or treatment sessions arranged by the court and paying the applicable fees. After completing the program, the case will be dismissed as long as the driver is not arrested again.

When a first-time DUI case is dismissed in Connecticut, it will no longer appear on a person’s criminal record. Our lawyers in Shelton can advise first-time DUI defendants on pursuing this option.

Driver’s License Penalties for First Offenses

After a DUI arrest, the police send a report to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once the DMV gets that report, they send a notice that the person’s right to drive in Connecticut is suspended.

However, the driver has the right to request an administrative hearing and defend their case. This proceeding occurs independently of any criminal trials. At the hearing, the paperwork filed by the police must establish several things for a suspension to go forward.

Usually, the police report is very simple and allows for many defenses by a Shelton lawyer that handles first-time DUI offenses. For instance, suppose a police officer arrested a defendant based on a field sobriety test involving standing on one leg. If the topography of the area would have made it difficult for someone to complete the test, we can factor this into a DUI defense strategy.

Call a Shelton Attorney to Defend First-Time DUI Charges

For a DUI administrative hearing or criminal trial, a defendant should retain an attorney who knows the administrative procedure and state laws. Ruane Attorneys has brought various defenses in these types of cases and can tailor a strategy to the circumstances.

Our legal team builds a defense for first-time DUI charges in Shelton through factual investigation. We look at the police reports, go to the scene of the alleged offense, and look for any potential issues with the prosecution’s case. To discuss your case and learn your legal options, call our firm today.