Westport DUI Lawyer

Every driver is aware of the prohibition against drunk driving and has at least a basic understanding of the potential punishments for being convicted of such conduct. However, the seriousness with which the Connecticut legislature takes crimes of this nature is critical for anyone arrested for a Connecticut first offense to understand. If you find yourself facing a DUI arrest, contact experienced criminal attorneys who are prepared to fight for a dismissal and expungement of your case. Reach out to Mark Sherman Law to begin working with a Westport DUI lawyer today.

Drunk Driving Case Process

A first time DUI arrest triggers a Norwalk Superior Court criminal case (there are no criminal courts in Westport), and a Bridgeport DMV hearing that suspends your driving privileges for a period between 6 months to 1 year.

While the criminal allegations can yield jail time, fines and other sanctions, the DMV process can result in suspension of the accused party’s operator’s license and the installation of an ignition interlock device.

The Connecticut legislature has made it a crime to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drugs or while having an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08 for most drivers, 0.04 for those driving commercial vehicles, and 0.02 for drivers who are not yet 21 years of age.

Diversion Programs and Alternative Sentencing

The Norwalk Connecticut court can sometimes suspend the prosecution of your case and admit you into a diversionary program for a first time DUI. Westport DUI attorneys may be able to secure a client’s admission to the Alcohol Education Program, which is a Connecticut’s diversionary sentencing option in the adjudication of drunk drivers. Successful completion of the program requirements entitles an individual to have their DUI charge essentially eradicated from their record.

Penalties for DUI Offenses in Westport

Though it is certainly true that the punishments for DUI offenses escalate with the commission of subsequent crimes in the same category, even a first offense can produce very serious consequences that can take a great deal of time to overcome.

As an attorney can attest, a first-time DUI conviction for a Westport Connecticut arrest can expose you to a jail sentence of six months incarceration, a fine of up to $1,000, a one-year driver’s license suspension, required the installation of an ignition interlock device and also a term of probationary supervision, which can restrict your out-of-state travel.

What is the Social Impact of a DUI Charge?

Those convicted of DUI may think they can begin to breathe a sigh of relief once the court case has concluded, but the truth is that the negative effects of their conviction can undermine their persona and professional success for many years afterward.

Finding a job for which driving a vehicle is a requirement will tough to find (sales jobs, real estate brokers, trucking / carting), causing serious familial financial strain. The existence of a criminal record of any sort can also jeopardize immigration status, professional finance licenses, as well as general social standing.

Hire a DUI Attorney in Westport

Getting arrested for drunk driving is often an embarrassing, not to mention truly frightening, experience. Fortunately, those who have not previously been the target of such allegations may be able to avoid heavy-handed court sanctions with the assistance of a Westport DUI lawyer. Reach out today to get started on your defense.