Wilton DWI Defense Attorney

Lawyer for DUI Charges and License Revocation in Wilton, Connecticut

Facing a DUI charge can be an unsettling and overwhelming experience. Whether the situation involves a minor traffic incident or a serious accident, the consequences can impact every aspect of your life. If you are convicted, it can jeopardize your license, your employment, and your freedom.

During this challenging time, working with the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. With extensive knowledge of Connecticut's DUI laws and a deep familiarity with the Fairfield County court system, Attorney Daniel P. Weiner will provide strategic advocacy focused on protecting your future. He is available 24/7 to help you and is prepared to fight to secure the best possible resolution.

First-Time DUI Charges

Being arrested for a first DWI offense is often a frightening experience. While first-time DUI offenses in Connecticut are generally classified as misdemeanors, the potential penalties are still serious. In addition to fines and a possible jail sentence, a conviction can lead to a criminal record, mandatory education programs, and a license suspension.

However, a knowledgeable DWI attorney may help eligible clients avoid these outcomes by seeking admission into Connecticut's Alcohol Education Program (AEP). Successfully completing this court-approved program can lead to the dismissal of charges, which can prevent a conviction from appearing on a permanent record.

Repeat DWI Offenders

For drivers with prior DUI convictions, a new offense brings significantly tougher penalties. Connecticut law mandates increasingly severe consequences for repeat offenders, which often include mandatory jail sentences and longer license suspension periods.

Typical penalties for repeat DUI offenses include:

• Second Offense: This entails a mandatory minimum of 120 days in jail, up to three years of license suspension, and court-ordered substance abuse treatment.
• Third or Subsequent Offense: This results in a felony conviction that can carry anywhere from one to three years of imprisonment and permanent revocation of driving privileges.

Attorney Weiner can identify opportunities for sentencing alternatives, advocate for participation in treatment programs, and work diligently to minimize the long-term impacts of a repeat DWI offense.

License Suspension and CDL Revocation

The administrative penalties for DWI offenses can be just as devastating as the criminal consequences. Following an arrest, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend a driver's license independently of any court conviction.

Consequences of DWI-related license actions include:

• License Suspension: A first-time offender may face a 45-day suspension, with longer periods for repeat offenses.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Revocation: A DUI conviction results in a one-year disqualification for a first offense. A second offense results in a permanent disqualification, regardless of whether DUI occurred in a commercial vehicle.

The Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can represent drivers at DMV hearings, challenge procedural errors, and advocate for limited or conditional driving privileges to minimize disruption to their personal and professional lives.

DWI Charges Involving Property Damage or Injuries

A DUI charge involving property damage can significantly increase the severity of the case. Striking another vehicle, damaging property, or causing bodily harm often leads prosecutors to pursue harsher penalties, and insurance companies may deny coverage when intoxication is involved.

When injuries occur, DUI offenses may be charged as felonies. This exposes drivers to long prison terms, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. Courts treat injury-related cases with particular seriousness, even for first-time offenders.

Refusing a Breathalyzer Test

Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical test after a DWI arrest initiates automatic administrative penalties under Connecticut's implied consent laws. Even if a driver is ultimately found not guilty in court, a refusal can lead to serious consequences.

The penalties for refusing a breath test typically include a license suspension of up to 18 months, depending on the driver's age and record. During trial, prosecutors may argue that the refusal itself is evidence of consciousness of guilt. An attorney can evaluate whether the officer had proper grounds to request the test and whether the refusal can be challenged.

Underage DUI in Connecticut

Drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 face an even stricter legal threshold. In Connecticut, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.02 percent or higher can lead to DUI charges for an underage driver. Penalties may involve:

• Immediate License Suspension: Typically 45 days, followed by a period requiring the use of an ignition interlock device
• Court-Imposed Fines and Probation: With mandatory participation in alcohol education or substance abuse treatment programs
• Long-Term Consequences: A criminal record can impact college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and future employment opportunities

Attorney Weiner is dedicated to protecting the future of young drivers, as he will seek opportunities for diversion programs, record expungement, and minimized penalties whenever possible.

Contact Our Wilton, CT DWI Defense Attorney

When facing DUI charges, you need a defense attorney who understands the complexities of DUI law and the stakes involved in your case. The Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner brings over 40 years of courtroom experience, detailed knowledge of DWI defense strategies, and a deep commitment to protecting clients' rights and futures. Contact us today at 203-348-5846 to schedule a free consultation. Legal services are available in both French and Spanish.