DON’T LET A DUI CHARGE DEFINE YOUR FUTURE
Facing a DUI charge in Connecticut? Get experienced legal guidance from an attorney who understands exactly what is at stake.
- Protect your driving privileges.
- Understand your legal options.
- Build a strong defense based on the facts of your case.
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WELCOME TO STEVEN A. TOMEO & ASSOCIATES, LLC
Your trusted Eastern Connecticut DUI Law firm.
A DUI arrest can be stressful and confusing. You may be wondering how your license, employment, finances, and reputation may be impacted and how to properly protect yourself. With a skilled DUI attorney by your side, you’ll have these questions answered while simultaneously building a viable defense against the charges brought against you.
Steven A. Tomeo has more than 45 years of experience representing clients facing DUI and other charges across Connecticut. No matter your situation, he is prepared to offer assertive solutions and personalized care to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
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YOUR TRUSTED CONNECTICUT DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY
DUI charges can involve more than just a court case. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be facing consequences involving your driver’s license, ignition interlock requirements, fines, probation, and other legal issues. Connecticut law also has separate administrative procedures for chemical tests and license suspensions.
Understanding what you’re up against is an important first step – and Steven A. Tomeo & Associates, LLC is here to take it with you.
Mr. Tomeo personally handles every case that comes across his desk. He works closely with clients to explain the legal process in understandable ways, answer questions, evaluate evidence, and identify any potential obstacles that could negatively impact your defense.
Every DUI case is different. That’s why it is so important to take the right approach from the very beginning.
Pulled Over For DUI In Connecticut?
Defend Yourself With The Help Of An Experienced Attorney
KEY STEPS TO TAKE WHEN STOPPED FOR DRUNK DRIVING IN CONNECTICUT
If you’ve been stopped for drunk driving, your actions during the encounter can significantly impact whether you’re arrested or convicted. During this moment, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. Here’s what you should do during a DUI stop:
- Provide Only Required Information: When approached by law enforcement, you can provide three things: your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Do not answer any additional questions. Officers may try to gather evidence to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. They will likely ask you to perform certain physical tests called the Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). Politely inform the officer that you decline to answer further questions and that you wish to speak with your lawyer before providing any additional information.
- Refuse Field Sobriety Tests: You have the right to refuse the Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST), and it’s advisable to do so. These tests are often subjective and can be used against you, even if you are not impaired.
- Understand Your Rights Regarding Breath, Urine or Blood Tests: The DMV has an Implied Consent Rule, which is based on the concept that driving is a privilege, not a right. This means that when you are pulled over for DUI in Connecticut, you implicitly consent to taking a breath, blood or urine test, any of which is the choice of the police officer. You can refuse a breath, urine or blood test; however, this may result in license suspension and having to drive with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
- Call an Attorney: Contact a qualified DUI defense attorney as soon as possible after the stop to safeguard your legal rights. An attorney can advise you during police interactions, guide you through DMV administrative proceedings to help preserve your driving privileges, and begin building a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
By understanding and asserting your rights during a DUI stop, you can better protect yourself and mitigate the potential consequences. Navigating the intersection of criminal charges and administrative license suspensions requires experienced legal counsel. Speaking with a Connecticut DUI attorney immediately allows for prompt investigation, evidence gathering, and strategic planning from the earliest stage of your legal process.
HOW DOES CONNECTICUT DEFINE DUI?
Connecticut law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For most drivers over 21, an elevated BAC generally means 0.08% or higher. For those under 21 operating commercial vehicles, different limits may apply.
A conviction can carry significant consequences, including fines, incarceration, probation, license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. The repercussions can vary depending on each situation and whether a person has prior DUI convictions.
WHAT ARE THE FINES AND OTHER CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR FIRST DUI IN CONNECTICUT?
A first-offense DUI conviction in Connecticut is a misdemeanor. Under Connecticut law, a conviction may result in:
- A fine of $500 to $1,000
- A sentence of up to six months in jail, including 48 consecutive hours that cannot be suspended or reduced, or a suspended six-month sentence with probation and 100 hours of community service instead of the 48 hours of incarceration
- License suspension and ignition interlock requirements that may affect your driving privileges
Connecticut also imposes separate administrative consequences through the Department of Motor Vehicles in DUI-related cases. Depending on the circumstances, these may include a driver’s license suspension and requirements to install and maintain an ignition interlock device. The specific consequences can depend on factors including the circumstances of the arrest, chemical testing, and your prior driving history.
Other costs and requirements may also arise, including court costs, ignition interlock expenses, and alcohol or substance-use evaluations or programs. Because the criminal case and the DMV process can involve separate consequences, it is important to understand how both may affect your situation.
WHY WORK WITH ATTORNEY STEVEN A. TOMEO?
For more than 45 years, Steven A. Tomeo has ardently represented individuals in Connecticut facing criminal charges. All this time, his approach has remained consistent: Each client receives personal attention, each fact is carefully examined, and every defense strategy is applied to achieve the best possible result.
When you contact Steven A. Tomeo & Associates, LLC, you can discuss your circumstances directly with an attorney you can trust rather than trying to determine the next step on your own. Mr. Tomeo can review the circumstances of your DUI arrest, explain the legal process, and help you understand the factors that may affect your case. He also has access to many experienced professionals when outside expertise is needed.
Whether this is your first DUI or you have a prior history, Steven A. Tomeo & Associates, LLC is here to be the legal support you need and deserve.
ARE YOU FACING A DUI CHARGE IN CONNECTICUT?
A DUI arrest can raise immediate and concerning questions about your future. The sooner you understand your options, the better prepared you can be to make informed and effective decisions about your case.
Ready to get started? Contact Steven A. Tomeo & Associates, LLC today to schedule your free consultation!
Pomfret/Danielson: (860) 963-7441
Norwich: (860) 823-1291
New London: (860) 447-3690
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