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DUI/DWI

Connecticut Attorneys Defend Clients Charged with Drunk Driving

Norwalk firm has a strong track record representing people accused of operating under the influence

A conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries penalties that could seriously affect your ability to get to and from work and take care of your family. You might even wind up behind bars. Most people are conditioned to believe that a breathalyzer test that exceeds the legal limit of .08 percent means that no reasonable legal defense exists. However, DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC provides effective counsel for Connecticut clients facing OUI charges. Our firm can review the circumstances in your situation to determine if the case against you has been tainted in any way. From our office in Norwalk, our accomplished litigators protect the rights of motorists in criminal prosecutions and administrative proceedings.

Knowledgeable defense lawyers work to reduce DUI penalties

When someone’s ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or some other substance, they can be convicted of OUI regardless of their blood alcohol content (BAC). However, a BAC of at least .08 percent establishes a driver as legally drunk regardless of what other factors are present. A first offender can face up to six months in jail along with a fine and a 90-day loss of driving privileges. With each additional offense, the penalties increase. Likewise, when a defendant’s BAC indicates heavy intoxication (.16 percent or higher), the license suspension runs for at least 120 days, and other penalties can be more severe.

Fairfield County litigators counter evidence brought by prosecutors

We understand how many people arrested on a drunk driving charge might not be familiar with the criminal defense system and advise them on potential defenses and concerns such as:

  • Reasonable suspicion and probable cause — A drunk driving stop can only be made if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that illegal activity is occurring. This must consist of something more than a hunch. To make an arrest, a higher standard exists. The officer must have probable cause of a crime. Failure to honor these standards could lead to the exclusion of evidence that was collected, even if it shows that the driver was intoxicated.
  • Test refusal — If you refused to take an intoxication test and had your license suspended, our firm can represent you at the “per se” hearing, where you can challenge the ruling against you. Depending on the outcome, you might be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
  • Testing procedure — At any stage in the intoxication test process, a problem could taint the results, creating the risk for a serious injustice. Our lawyers examine the situation to see if the test was applied correctly and in a timely manner. Failure to abide by handling and review protocols could also compromise a test’s accuracy.
  • Miranda warning — Once you are in custody, law enforcement must read your Miranda rights if prosecutors wish to use any statements you make at trial. If you believe that you might not have received such a warning, which cites your right to remain silent and to have an attorney represent you, we will attempt to keep what you said out of the record.
  • Driver misidentification — Police officers sometimes make mistakes as to the identification of a driver, especially if they approach the vehicle after it has been stopped for some length of time. For these situations and other instances where the case against you is based on faulty premise, we’ll bring the true facts to the attention of the authorities.

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to assert your rights if you think the charges against you are unwarranted. We’re not intimidated by prosecutors and will identify any potential defenses that could end the case against you or lead to a reduced sentence.

Contact a dedicated Connecticut OUI defense lawyer for a consultation

DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC in Norwalk advocates on behalf of Connecticut clients accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To speak with an experienced lawyer, please call 203-846-9585 or contact us online.

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