Stamford Repeat Offender DUI Lawyer
Regardless of the circumstances, driving while drunk is considered to be a serious crime worthy of significant punishment. A first-time DUI arrest in Stamford Connecticut is classified as a misdemeanor, and those arrested for the first time DUI in Connecticut may be eligible for diversionary programming and eventual record expungement.
However, second and subsequent offender Stamford DUI arrests, including those in which harm is inflicted upon others, are taken seriously. Anyone facing these charges should contact a distinguished DUI attorney.
Classification of Repeat Offenses
In Stamford Connecticut, a first-time DUI charge is a misdemeanor, and offenders are frequently eligible to participate in the state’s Alcohol Education Program. Under such circumstances, anyone who fulfills the requirements of the program and is not charged with any subsequent drunk driving-related conduct within the year can receive dismissal of the original charge and elimination of the criminal record.
However, second and subsequent DUI committed within the same 10-year span do not yield such leniency and can be classified as felony arrests.
What are the Felony Penalties for Repeat Offenders?
Felony second or subsequent DUIs are capable of subjecting defendants to penalties that are quite severe in nature and which may include:
- Incarceration extending up to two years, with a 120-day mandatory minimum
- Probationary supervision following release from custody
- 100-hour community service requirements
- Monetary fines of up to $4,000
- 45-day to lifetime driver’s license suspension
- Ignition interlock device installation lasting three years or longer
Related Offenses
Acquiring multiple DUIs within a 10-year period is not the only way to be charged with a felony drunk driving offense in Connecticut.
There are other instances in which driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause the potential sanctions to escalate dramatically, namely those in which others sustain serious harm due to the conduct in question.
Assault Second Degree w/a Motor Vehicle Arrests in Stamford Connecticut
A drunk driving arrest with injuries is a separate felony arrest in Connecticut called Assault Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle under CGS 53a-60d. Someone can be arrested for this crime if they cause serious physical injury to another while drunk driving. This is considered a Class D felony in Connecticut with a penalty of up to 5 years in prison, lengthy ignition interlock requirements and driver’s license suspension.
Impact of DUI Felony Penalties
The formal penalties for Connecticut felony DUI offenses can be extremely onerous and can wreak havoc on an individual’s ability to earn a living and retain basic liberties for a given period of time.
The most damaging consequences of a felony drunk driving conviction may actually be the ripple effects that manifest themselves after Connecticut mandatory minimum jail sentences have been served.
The existence of any criminal record, let alone one that contains convictions for felony drunk driving, is something that can cause irreparable harm to an individual’s reputation, community standing, immigration status and more.
Being found guilty of this type of crime can cause your auto insurance rates to significantly increase, jeopardize your job, and place your family under crippling financial stress.
Hiring an Attorney
All drunk driving charges, but particularly those Connecticut second and third time offender DUI arrests that carry a felony classification, call for aggressive and creative legal defense strategies. If you are facing allegations of this type of conduct and seek the help of a skilled DUI lawyer.