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    Fighting Connecticut Second & Repeat Offender DUI / DWI Arrests

    Fighting Connecticut Second & Repeat Offender DUI / DWI Arrests

    Connecticut prosecutors are strictly enforcing its 3-strikes law for repeat offender DUI and DWI arrests.

    Almost everyone understands the gravity of drinking and driving and the potentially devastating consequences it can have on your career, family and freedom. As any of the best Connecticut DUI / DWI criminal lawyers know, when a driver has already pled guilty to a Connecticut DUI /DWI, and is again arrested in Connecticut for DUI under CGS 14-227a, a Connecticut second offense DUI lawyer can provide life-saving insights and defense strategies.

    Penalties for Connecticut Second Offender DUI / DWI Arrests

    Not surprisingly, the jail penalties imposed for a second offender or repeat offender drunk driving arrest in Connecticut are much more severe than those that are typical for a first offense.

    According to Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. §14-227a(g)(2), in Connecticut, a second-time offender can expect to be sentenced to the following: a term of incarceration ranging from the mandatory minimum 120 days up to two years, anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000 in fines, mandatory ignition interlock device installation for up to three years, and a term of probationary supervision.

    Connecticut Second Offender DUI / DWI Probation is Onerous

    It is quite common for Connecticut courts to outline a series of conditions which must be met as part of DUI probation, and these can include:

        • substantial community service requirements;
        • prohibition of out-of-state travel;
        • drug and alcohol abuse evaluation;
        • random drug and alcohol testing;
        • victim impact panel attendance; and
        • participation in alcohol education programming.

    Second Offender DUI / DWI Convictions in Connecticut Are Felonies

    Anyone who pleads or is found guilty in Connecticut of a second drunk driving offense may erroneously believe that their ordeal is essentially over once they serve out their sentence.

    However, the reality of the situation is that the negative impact of a conviction is just the beginning. Connecticut law classifies a second DUI / DWI as a felony, and as such, will likely bring about a host of unwanted consequences.

    The mere existence of a felony record that includes a Connecticut felony DUI conviction can lead to the loss of existing employment as well as difficulty in obtaining new positions going forward. Immigration consequences are also triggered with a Connecticut felony second offender DUI / DWI conviction. The financial devastation from this alone can bring entire families close to ruin.

    Professional licenses can also be put in real jeopardy due to a Connecticut DUI / DWI conviction, as can community standing, immigration status and even custodial arrangements, especially if you’re in the midst of nasty or contested divorce proceedings. It is no exaggeration to say that the harm done by a guilty finding on charges of this type can last for years after the fact.

    Defense Strategies for Fighting Connecticut Second-Offense DUI Arrests

    As the top Connecticut DUI / DWI criminal law firms know, the aftermath of an arrest for driving while under the influence of alcohol tends to be a time fraught with worry, uncertainty and confusion about what to do next. When such a circumstance unfolds, it is important for defendants to remember that defense tactics may well exist which can improve their prospects significantly.

    Because the prosecution is required to prove each element of the crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt, it is often possible for a top DUI lawyer in Connecticut to:

        • Challenge the constitutionality of the traffic stop leading to the arrest and any related searches;
        • Question the accuracy of blood / breath / urine testing performed and the methods used to report the results;
        • Cast doubt on how field sobriety tests were administered and/or interpreted; and
        • Raise concerns about the chain of custody of collected evidence.

    Though techniques such as these can help you achieve a reduction or dismissal in charges, there is no room for delay in employing them. That’s why it’s critical to hire a top DUI / DWI criminal lawyer attorney in Greenwich, Darien or Stamford Connecticut as soon as possible following the arrest itself.

    Aggressive Advocacy for Second-Time DUI / DWI Offenders in Connecticut

    If you are facing repeat allegations of driving under the influence, then it’s necessary to secure the assistance of a Connecticut second offense DUI lawyer who has experience in fighting Connecticut second offender DUI / DWI arrests. The team of DUI / DWI litigators at the Mark Sherman Law Firm can help you fight your second or repeat offender DUI / DWI arrest in Connecticut. Our goal is getting you the best possible result for you. You can follow this link for certified client reviews from the Mark Sherman Law Firm’s prior DUI clients. Call us for a consultation today. We are available 24/7 at (203) 358-4700.