Connecticut DUI Attorney ● Rockville, Danielson, Norwich
A Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) charge is serious trouble. Even first time DUI offenders face up to six months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines and a one year suspension of their driver's license by the court. In addition they face a separate Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver's license suspension of at least 90 days. In this hostile legal environment, you need an effective legal defense.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent - Use It!
You have the RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT. USE IT! The police are not kidding when they tell you, "anything you say can and will be used against you." They mean it! If the police have enough evidence to arrest you, they will; whether you talk to them or not. In most cases, there is nothing you could possibly say to the police that would stop them from arresting you if they have enough evidence for your arrest. Frequently, if the police do not have enough evidence to arrest you, they will want to talk with you to see if something you might say will give them the evidence they need to arrest you.
DON'T TALK TO THE POLICE WITHOUT A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER REPRESENTING YOU!
If you talk to the police and they decide that you were not fully truthful when you talked to them, they could charge you with the crime of making a false statement. Usually, the best way to protect yourself is to USE YOUR RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT until you have consulted with and retained criminal defense counsel.
At the Law Office of Jerome Paun, we defend the rights and freedom of people accused of DUI and alcohol/drug related offenses such as vehicular assault or homicide. We are experienced and knowledgeable, and we understand how to use the law to get as good a result as possible for our clients.
Before you plead guilty or lose your license, please contact DUI / OWI lawyer Jerome Paun today and schedule a free initial DUI case consultation.
You Face Two Legal Challenges
In the state of Connecticut, an arrest for DUI involves two separate proceedings:
1. an administrative per se hearing at the DMV to determine whether your driver's license should not be suspended by the DMV;
2. a criminal proceeding in superior court to determine guilt and the penalties to be imposed by the court including: potential jail time, fines, and further suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
At the Law Office of Jerome Paun, we can represent you in both proceedings. We intervene early in the process to ensure our clients meet all filing and notification deadlines regarding their administrative per se hearing. This also enables us to use the DMV process to learn facts which can be helpful in the criminal proceeding in court. Then we will energetically defend you on the DUI charge in court.
Should I Challenge the DMV Suspension of My Driver's License or My DUI Arrest?
A DUI case does not hinge on a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test alone. In order to pull over a motor vehicle, an officer first must have "probable cause" to suspect the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or has otherwise violated the law. Second, police officers are required to follow proper procedures when stopping people and asking them to take field sobriety tests. If an officer fails to follow proper procedure or violates Constitutional principles, it may be possible to have the DUI charge dismissed and/or your license not suspended.
The Law Office of Jerome Paun will carefully examine the evidence, arrest procedure and results of the blood alcohol content tests in your case. Improper police procedure or mistakes in police reports are not uncommon and may help your case. Improper calibration of the breathalyzer, improper machine operation and biological factors also can affect the blood alcohol content test results. Whenever possible, we will try to stop questionable evidence from being used against you. A successful defense against DUI charges is possible.
Even if you were driving under the influence, you may be eligible for the Alcohol Education Program (AEP) to avoid a DUI conviction. We understand how to work with the court in exploring alternatives to jail and license suspension. Depending on your driving record and the circumstances of your arrest, we may be able to divert your case out of the criminal justice system, reduce the charges against you and/or minimize the sentence and consequences you face.
Contact DUI /OWI Lawyer Jerome Paun Today
For your free initial DUI case consultation at the Law Office of Jerome Paun, please call us toll-free at 866.787.0119 or send us an e-mail.
