Penalties for DUIs in New Britain

A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to wide-ranging penalties. In addition to potential jail time and fines, you also face administrative consequences like the temporary loss of your license and car. Dealing with the repercussions of a DUI arrest can be stressful, time-consuming, and confusing for anyone without legal counsel.

The lawyers at Ruane Attorneys can help you mitigate the penalties for DUIs in New Britain. Our legal team could explain the factors in DUI sentencing and work to prevent the consequences of a conviction.

Jail Sentences for a Drunk Driving Conviction

A first-time DUI charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail. A second offense is prosecuted as a felony and has a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 days, up to a maximum of two years. A third or subsequent offense comes with a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years in jail. Any DUI conviction will increase the potential penalties for a future intoxicated driving charge, making it essential to work with a New Britain attorney on a strong defense.

What Happens to Your Car After a DUI Arrest?

Because the police typically stop a driver on the roadside, they will often call a tow truck to get the car off the road and take it to a yard. If the police pull the car into a commercial parking lot or on a street with parking, they may allow the vehicle to remain there in rare cases.

The police will take the driver’s keys and leave them with the rest of their property at the station. When the driver is bonded and regains their property, they can pick up their car. The driver may need to pay fees for towing and storage. Our attorneys could help a driver arrested for DUI in New Britain deal with the administrative difficulties by making calls and tracking the location of their car. We can also check for any missing property or changes in the vehicle’s condition; if so, we can file a complaint on the driver’s behalf.

Consequences of a Public Arrest Record

A public arrest record for DUI can significantly impact the driver’s life. An employer may fire them or limit their work duties. A record could also affect a person’s custody or hurt their reputation in the community. A lawyer could work to mitigate many consequences of a DUI arrest in New Britain beyond potential jail time and fines.

One option for avoiding a public arrest record is to apply for an alcohol education program. When a driver applies in court, their file is sealed to the public. The computerized entries for the Connecticut judicial department will show a case pending but will not show the nature of the charge. Upon completing the program, the DUI charges will be dismissed. Ruane Attorneys could help a driver apply for a program to avoid the severe penalties of a DUI conviction.

Consult a New Britain Attorney on DUI Penalties

An intoxicated driving charge can wreak havoc on your life in many ways. Beyond the potential jail time and fines, a mere arrest can lead to a public record that impacts your employment, reputation, and family relationships. A towed car can also require you to pay fees and disrupt your daily routine.

Learn about the penalties for DUIs in New Britain and discuss how to prevent them with an attorney at our firm. Ruane Attorneys could work to mitigate the impact of the charges and protect your future. Contact us today to get started.