Practice Areas
New Haven DUI Lawyer
Being charged with DUI poses a number of issues that must be dealt with not only through the courts, but also the DMV. It can be confusing and difficult to try to navigate the process alone, luckily a New Haven DUI lawyer can help. Our criminal attorneys in New Haven have extensive experience assisting clients with DUIs, and we understand how the process works. It is undoubtedly a stressful time in your life if you are facing a DUI, but we can help guide you along the way. En Español.
Benefits of a DUI Lawyer
Driving under the influence is a crime, and in any criminal case, the state has to prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. An experienced New Haven DUI attorney can identify each element the state must prove and will work tirelessly to hold them to that burden.
A lawyer will work with you to complete a full investigation of your case and a comprehensive assessment of any evidence the state may have against you and whether any of it may be inadmissible. We work diligently to weaken the state’s case to ensure that your rights are protected while also making sure that you are familiar with the court process.
New Haven DUI Laws
Connecticut General Assembly Sec. 14-227a contains the laws for DUIs, also referred to as “operating under the influence” or “OUI.” The statute states that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or with elevated blood alcohol content (BAC).
BAC can be measured by a person’s blood, breath, or urine, and a reading of .08 or greater is considered elevated. However, a person under 21 years of age is considered to have an elevated BAC if it is measured at .02 or greater.
Connecticut also has an Implied Consent Law, which means that because driving is a privilege and not a right, anyone driving in the jurisdiction is presumed to have consented to a BAC test. Penalties for a DUI conviction in Connecticut include: a fine of $500-$1,000; imprisonment for up to six months; community service; and/or license suspension. Penalties are more severe for repeat DUI offenders.
Building a Strong Defense
In order to build the strongest possible defense for each case our DUI lawyers in New Haven conduct a full investigation of the facts and circumstances of each client’s case and determine if any of the state’s evidence may be inadmissible. An attorney will then assess the strength of the state’s case and the defenses that are available in order to help develop the strongest legal strategy possible, while also assisting with settlement discussions when appropriate.
For someone who has been charged with driving under the influence for the first time, an attorney may be able to help them seek lesser punishment and/or mitigate the damage associated with such a charge.
Importance of a New Haven DUI Attorney
Make sure you understand what you are facing and that you know what your options are before you decide on a case strategy to pursue. A seasoned New Haven DUI lawyer has the knowledge and skill to help alleviate some of your burdens, and will help you understand the options available to you and all the different possible outcomes. An attorney can also guide you through each step of the way and advocate for you through the completion of your case. Contact us today to get started.
Billings & Barrett is a boutique law firm that uses a modern approach to an age-old profession to obtain proven results for our clients in New Haven, along the shoreline, and throughout Connecticut. Peter Billings and Sean Barrett have built their practice and firm on four key principles: knowledge, experience, communication, and dedication. These core principles serve as the foundation of Billings & Barrett, our relationship with our clients, and the results we obtain. We recognize that our clients rely on us during the most difficult times in their lives and we have dedicated our practice to protecting the rights of, and fighting for, our clients.
As experienced attorneys well-versed in Criminal Defense, Family and Divorce Law, and Personal Injury the lawyers at Billings & Barrett have the necessary experience to assist their clients in a wide variety of legal situations and will use all the resources at their disposal to bring about the most positive outcome possible for their clients.
Whether you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, have been arrested and are currently facing criminal charges, or are seeking a divorce, the attorneys at Billings & Barrett will make sure that you are strongly represented.