DUI Process in CT

When someone is charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Connecticut, they will likely face not only criminal charges and penalties, but also some administrative penalties through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as well. If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge, you may be unsure of what to expect or how to go about defending yourself and fighting for your rights. No one should have to face DUI charges alone; the team at the Law Offices of Pat Brown is experienced in DUI law and is ready to fight for you. 

What Happens When You Are Arrested for a DUI?

In Connecticut, driving is considered a privilege and all licensed drivers consent to submit to a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test under the state’s Implied Consent Law. You are legally intoxicated if your BAC is above .08 (or above .02 for those under 21). If you are arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be detained by a police officer and transported to a police station in their vehicle after being read your rights. Those whose BAC test registers above the legal limit will be held in jail until they are bailed out, and will be expected to attend their scheduled court date. Even those whose BAC is not above the legal limit, but are determined to be impaired by an intoxicating substance, can face criminal charges and penalties. Refusing to submit to chemical testing can result in the same charges and penalties as failing one of these tests. 

How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record?

In addition to the financial penalties, jail time, license suspension, and other consequences of a DUI, this charge will appear both on your driving record and your criminal record. Typically, a DUI will stay on your driving record in Connecticut for 10 years, and can negatively impact your insurance rates for at least 3-5 years after the incident. There is typically not much that can be done to remove a DUI charge from your driving record. Unlike the 10-year timeframe on your driving record, you can expect to have a DUI live on your criminal record for life. The good news is, an experienced attorney may be able to assist you in removing, sealing, or expunging a DUI charge from your criminal record. 

Let Pat Brown Guide You Through Your DUI

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Connecticut and you’d like to do everything possible to fight the charges and minimize the impact this will have on your life, you need an experienced legal team on your side. At the Law Offices of Pat Brown, we are dedicated to working for you to get the best results possible on your DUI case. Our staff will be persistent advocates for you and your interests in the complicated and confusing world of DUI law. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case consultation today, and let us help you through your DUI.