The Bartinik Law Firm LLC

CONNECTICUT DRUNK DRIVING LAWYER

You need a Connecticut drunk driving lawyer if you are charged with drunk driving.  Drunk driving is a serious problem on the roads in Connecticut.  As a result, the laws are tough.  You can lose your license, and in turn, you can lose your job.  You can also go to jail.  Your insurance rates go up.  Your name is in the paper.  All bad.  You cannot afford to take the drunk driving charge lightly.  As a result you should consult with your Connecticut drunk driving lawyer.

DO I NEED A CONNECTICUT DRUNK DRIVING LAWYER?

Yes, you need a lawyer.  Drunk driving is a serious crime.  It carries serious consequences.  Drunk driving cases involve complex legal and factual issues that cannot be handled without legal training, and experience.  There is no doubt that you should have a lawyer.

WE OFFER SOUND ADVICE SO YOU CAN DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO PROCEED WITH YOUR CASE.

After a thorough review of the facts we can guide you through the maze of rules, penalties, and programs that are available to you like the Alcohol Education Program.  We will guide you through all parts of your case including:

  • Examining the facts of the case, and the A44 report, and give you sound advice on your chances to win.
  • Handling the Department of Motor Vehicles Per Se Hearing to save your license.
  • Handling the negotiations with the prosecutor for the Criminal Case.
  • Defending your freedom, and Constitutional rights in Court.
  • Handling high stake multiple offense cases.
  • Handling complex multi-jurisdiction cases.

CAN I AFFORD A CONNECTICUT DRUNK DRIVING LAWYER?

Most people can afford a lawyer.  Many lawyers offer free consultations to evaluate your options.  For criminal cases like a drunk driving case, you should expect to pay a retainer fee up front.

CAN I BEAT THE CONNECTICUT DRUNK DRIVING CASE?

Your lawyer cannot guaranty the results.  But one thing is for sure.  You will never have any chance to beat the case unless to fight the case with the help of your lawyer.

You should hire a lawyer to fully evaluate the facts of the case, and the legal issues that arise from those facts.  The law as applied to the facts must be thoroughly analyzed.  Only after your lawyer performs that legal analysis of the relevant issues, can you determine your best course of action.

A good lawyer will give you an accurate presentation of the strengths, weaknesses, and strategy about how to achieve the best outcome.

DRUNK DRIVING IS A SERIOUS CRIME

Yes it is.  For a first offense, you can be sentenced to jail time.  A second offense, results in substantial jail time.  For all grades you can lose your license.  You can expect your insurance rates to increase.  Also, if driving is part of your job, then, you will probably lose your job.

No only are the consequences severe, you can expect the State Attorney’s office to prosecute your case to the full extent of their ability.

While the crime is a serious offense, and must be taken very seriously, you can get through it with the legal advice from your lawyer.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM CHARGED WITH DRUNK DRIVING

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE PROCESS?

You can expect the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue you a notice that explains that they intend to suspend your license.  If you do not have a Connecticut driver’s license, then the DMV will suspend your “out of state driving privileges.”

Essentially, the DMV will suspend your license for a prescribed period of time unless you can prevail at an administrative hearing.

Typically, the hearing will take place within two months of your arrest.

At the hearing, evidence is presented by both sides.   You can chose to present evidence is you believe is benefits your side.  You can remain silent.  The rules are informal since this hearing is an administrative hearing, rather than a Court trial.

WHAT IS THE COURT PROCESS?

You will have to attend Court, and appear before the judge.  In an early stage of the case you will appear before the judge, and will enter a not guilty plea.  Then your lawyer will defend the case, and raise the various issues that are in your favor.

If the case cannot be resolved in your favor with a negotiated settlement, then the case will be tried before a jury.

In the criminal Court, you will have all the rights of a criminal defendant.  You have the right to remain silent, the right to cross examine witnesses, and the right to a jury trial.  The penalties you will face include all of the penalties you have probably heard of.  They include jail, fines, and loss of license.  The penalties increase substantially for second, third, and fourth offenses.

In a jury trial, the state must prove every single issue beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most DUI cases take several Court appearances to resolve.  Some take a long time to reach a conclusion.

WHAT TYPES OF PUNISHMENT CAN I EXPECT?

The punishment in a drunk driving case includes jail time, fines, loss of license, and other punishments.  Certain factors tend increase the punishment that you might receive.  Typically, for a second offender drunk driving case, the state’s attorney will seek jail time.

You can also expect that you will be required to install in ignition interlock device on your car.  When this device is installed on your car, you will not be able to run your car unless you first take an alcohol breath test in the device.

WHERE TO FIND HELP?

Today, there is a lot at stake with a drunk driving case.  You can’t go it alone without legal advice.  Get the help you need.  Of course, getting arrested for drunk driving in Connecticut is a mistake.  Don’t make a second mistake by taking it lightly, or thinking that you do not need a lawyer.  Contact the Connecticut drunk driving lawyers at The Bartinik Law Firm LLC at 860 445 8521, and set up your free consultation today.