People who are arrested for drunk driving in Connecticut should be concerned with how the charge will affect their privilege to drive. If you are arrested for drunk driving offense, you will be asked to submit to a Breathalyzer test. If you are over the legal limit, you can get an immediate 90-day suspension of your driver's license by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
This is the time of year when drunk driving happens more often. Drunk driving numbers climb during the Christmas and New Year's period, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The average number of accidents per day jumps from 36 to 45 around the holidays. Over the New Year holiday alone, that number greatly increases to 54.
According to Greenwich police, the holiday drunk-driving has already begun. Before and after Thanksgiving, five drivers were arrested for DUI. They also responded to 36 accidents, but not all were alcohol related.
Police will be out to lower those numbers, due to a grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The grant will help fund increased police patrols on the streets through the end of the year. Officials said there will be more patrols especially on nights, weekends and holidays.
Even though there will be an increased police presence, officials urge people not to drink at all if they plan to be on the roads and to always have a designated driver to get you home safely.
This is the time of year where people will be attending office parties and family gatherings. Connecticut has very tough drunk driving laws that can affect your license. In addition to the court, the DMV can suspend your license. If someone has been charged with a DUI, they should consult a knowledgeable attorney to see what their options for presenting a solid defense.
Source: greenwichtime.com, "Police to step up holiday DUI patrols" Justin Pottle, Dec. 03, 2013