How Can I Get My DUI Charges Dismissed in Connecticut?

 Posted on April 29, 2021 in Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to criminal consequences and administrative penalties in Connecticut. If you are arrested for DUI, you could be sentenced to jail time or community service and probation. You may also be fined up to $1000 or more. Your license may be temporarily suspended, and you may have to get an ignition interlock device in your vehicle to regain your driving privileges. Second or subsequent DUI offenses are penalized even more harshly. When defending against DUI charges, Connecticut DUI defense attorneys may argue that the charges should be dismissed entirely.

You May Be Able to Avoid a DUI Conviction

A skilled defense lawyer will know Connecticut DUI laws and how to defend against DUI charges. In some cases, DUI charges are dropped. Some of the most common reasons that DUI cases are dismissed include:

• Illegal police stop – The police cannot pull someone over for no reason. They must have a “reasonable suspicion” that unlawful activity is occurring. Speeding, erratic lane changes, or running a red light may all justify a police officer’s stop. However, if there were no grounds for the police to pull you over, the evidence obtained during the stop, including breathalyzer results, may be inadmissible in court.

• Improper field sobriety test or breath test – Breath tests like a breathalyzer or field sobriety tests such as a walk-and-turn test are used by police to determine if someone is under the influence. Police must follow certain procedures when evaluating someone for intoxication. If the police do not correctly perform the tests, this evidence may be suppressed.

• Inaccurate BAC reading due to equipment malfunction – Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated and maintained. If a breathalyzer or other breath test device has not been recently calibrated, it can yield inaccurate results.

• Improper handling of blood tests – Handheld breathalyzer tests are often used in a roadside DUI stop. However, once a DUI suspect has been arrested, the police may use a blood test to determine the suspect’s blood alcohol content. Improper handling of the sample can invalidate the results.

Even if the charges stand and the defendant is convicted, a lawyer can often help the defendant pursue diversionary programs or a reduced sentence.

Contact a Stamford DUI Defense Lawyer

DUI charges can lead to significant consequences, especially if you have been convicted of drunk driving in the past. If you or a loved one was arrested for driving under the influence, contact the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. Fairfield County criminal defense attorney Daniel P. Weiner has provided tenacious legal representation for over 40 years. Our team may be able to get your charges dismissed or help you qualify for a diversionary program that minimizes the consequences you face. Call our office for a free, confidential consultation at 203-348-5846.

Source:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/rpt/2012-R-0279.htm