Defending a Stamford DUI Arrest
Drinking and driving arrests are being enforced in Stamford Connecticut more aggressively than ever.
A few high profile cases have encouraged Stamford police and prosecutors to take a zero-tolerance approach to arresting Stamford drunk drivers.
If you are interested in defending a Stamford DUI arrest, contact an experienced DUI attorney who could fight on your behalf.
What is Driving While Intoxicated?
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated is considered any time a driver’s blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent or higher. If drivers who have not yet reached the age of 21 are driving with the alcohol content of 0.02 percent, they can face similar charges.
Implied BAC Testing Laws
Connecticut is considered an implied consent state, meaning, that by virtue of driving a vehicle within its borders, a motor vehicle operator effectively agrees to undergo blood, urine or breath testing for purposes of detecting illegal amounts of drugs or alcohol.
Refusal to submit to such testing can result in an automatic suspension of driving privileges in Connecticut for one year. Suspensions related to a a DUI offense will also trigger the installation of an ignition interlock device on the offender’s vehicle.
Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Arrest
Though driving after having a few too many drinks is something many have done at one time or another, being arrested and charged with DUI must never be taken lightly. Defending a Stamford DUI arrest is important because even a first-time offense that results in serious injury to another can result in long-lasting penalties. For harm caused to a passenger or another driver, someone could face up to six months in jail, lengthy community service requirements, fines of up to $1000 and license suspension lasting one year.
Subsequent DUI convictions within ten years of a first-time conviction can yield even more severe sanctions, with a second offense resulting in two years of incarceration, fines of up to $4000 and three years of license suspension. Third offenses bring even longer terms of imprisonment as well as permanent license revocation.
Consequences of Drunk Driving Incidents
Drunk driving accidents that result in serious injury or death to others can produce even more serious penalties, and the ancillary effects of conviction on a DUI charge can make life extremely difficult for years to come. These consequences may include:
- Job loss
- Financial fines
- Increased insurance costs
- Suspension/revocation of professional licenses
- Difficulty obtaining security clearances and future employment
- Social stigma
- Immigration status implications
- Familial disruptions
Possible Defense Techniques
Though a DUI charge can create a great deal of uncertainty and fear in the mind of any defendant, it is important for those individuals to bear in mind that a number of potentially effective defense techniques can be utilized by an experienced attorney. It may be possible for a DUI lawyer to:
Raise serious questions about the constitutionality of the initial traffic stop and subsequent searches
Question the accuracy of blood, breath or urine testing methods and reporting
Introduce doubt as to evidence handling methods employed by law enforcement
Present evidence about the defendant’s medical status which may call sobriety test results into serious question
Help From Legal Representation
Before defending a Stamford DUI arrest, an attorney may promptly initiate an investigation of the facts. This process can include a subpoena for hospital records, police dashcams/bodycams, and work to challenge the prosecution’s case when necessary. There really is no time to waste when it comes to crafting an aggressive defense on behalf of the accused.
Though it is impossible to predict the outcome in any given drunk driving case, a lawyer can work tirelessly for you and your family to minimize the impact on your life and future employment prospects.
A dismissal or reduction in charges may sometimes be possible, but if not, plea discussions designed to soften the blow of the penalties ultimately imposed can be pursued. Whenever possible, eligibility for diversionary alcohol education programming can also be explored.