New Canaan DUI Lawyer – Protecting Your License and Your Future

A DUI arrest in New Canaan can change your life in a single night. One moment you’re driving home on Route 7 after dinner with friends, and the next you’re surrounded by flashing lights, field-sobriety tests, and a trip to the police station. You may have been polite, cooperative, and never imagined you’d face a criminal charge.

I’m Allan F. Friedman, a New Canaan DUI lawyer with more than 30 years of experience defending people in Stamford Superior Court (GA-1) — the court that handles all New Canaan DUI cases. My goal is to protect your record, your driver’s license, and your future. Most first-time DUI arrests in Fairfield County can be resolved without a criminal conviction if handled quickly and correctly.

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227a, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with an elevated blood-alcohol content (BAC) of:

0.08 % or higher for most drivers0.04 % or higher for commercial drivers (CDL)0.02 % or higher if you’re under 21

Police officers in New Canaan are trained to make DUI arrests even when your BAC is below the limit if they believe you’re “impaired.” Most DUI stops in New Canaan occur on Route 7, the Merritt Parkway, or roads near downtown.

After arrest, you’ll receive a summons for court in Stamford Superior Court (GA-1), and the New Canaan Police Department forwards your paperwork to both the prosecutor and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for administrative review.

All New Canaan DUI arrests are prosecuted in Stamford Superior Court, 123 Hoyt Street — a courthouse I appear in every week. The first court appearance usually occurs within two weeks of your arrest. Here’s how the process unfolds:

Arraignment – You’ll enter a plea of not guilty. The judge confirms you understand your license suspension and release conditions.Defense Application and Victim Notification – After arraignment, your defense attorney determines whether your case is suitable for the Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP) and files a formal application. The judge, not the prosecutor, decides whether to grant the program.If the DUI involved an accident causing injury or property damage, the defense attorney is required to contact the victim to notify them of the application and give them an opportunity to be heard before the court rules.

DMV Hearing – Separate from court, you have seven days from the arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest your automatic license suspension.Pre-Trial Conferences – Your lawyer meets with the prosecutor to present mitigating factors such as a clean record and strong community ties.Resolution or Trial – Most first-time offenders resolve the case through IDIP; repeat or aggravated cases may proceed to trial.

Even before your first court date, a DUI arrest triggers immediate effects:

License Suspension – DMV imposes an automatic 45-day suspension unless you request a hearing.Ignition Interlock Device (IID) – Required for license reinstatement after suspension.Insurance Impact – Premiums often rise sharply after a conviction.

Acting within the first week allows me to request the DMV hearing, preserve dash-cam evidence, and build a defense strategy before details fade.

For most first-time DUI offenders in New Canaan, the Impaired Driving Intervention Program offers the best path to a dismissal. This court-supervised education program focuses on prevention rather than punishment.

No prior DUI conviction or program use within 10 yearsNo serious injury or fatality in the incidentNo additional criminal charges beyond DUI

Twelve weekly classes addressing substance use and safe drivingMandatory Victim Impact Panel presentationFull compliance with attendance and court conditions

When the program is completed successfully, the court dismisses the DUI charge and seals the record from public view — allowing you to lawfully state that you’ve never been convicted of DUI in Connecticut.

Because each IDIP application is discretionary, I prepare every submission carefully, presenting evidence of responsibility, work history, and positive character references to support admission.

Even when IDIP is an option, a comprehensive defense matters. My methodical approach includes:

1. Challenging the Stop – Police must have lawful cause to stop your car. I review body-cam and dash-cam footage, radio logs, and reports for inconsistencies.
2. Field Sobriety Tests – These tests are subjective and often performed on uneven pavement or in poor lighting on Route 7 or Main Street.
3. Breath and Blood Testing – I analyze calibration, operator certification, and timing of samples for compliance errors.
4. Procedural Violations – If questioning occurred without proper Miranda warnings or other rights advisements, evidence may be excluded.
5. DMV Defense – I personally handle your DMV hearing to fight license suspension and preserve your right to drive during your case.

If you’re not eligible for IDIP or decline to apply, Connecticut law imposes the following penalties:

Up to 6 months in jail (48 hours minimum)Fines $500 – $1,00045-day license suspension + 1 year IIDProbation and community service

Up to 2 years in jail (120 days minimum)Fines $1,000 – $4,00045-day suspension + 3 years IIDMandatory treatment programs

Up to 3 years in jail (1 year minimum)Permanent license revocationFines up to $8,000

The difference between a conviction and a dismissal often depends on how quickly you retain experienced counsel.

Every court, prosecutor, and judge has its own rhythm. Because I appear in Stamford GA-1 every week, I know what strategies work best locally. My approach is proactive and personalized:

Early Intervention — Contacting the prosecutor quickly to frame your case positively.Evidence Preservation — Securing police videos, dispatch logs, and test results before they disappear.Preparation for a Strong Argument for Program Placement — Presenting an excellent mitigation package that demonstrates your good character, clean record, and low risk to the community.DMV Representation — Handling your license-suspension hearing so you can keep driving legally.Guidance Through Every Step — From first call to final dismissal, I keep you informed and supported.

I’ve defended hundreds of DUI cases in Fairfield County — many from New Canaan. I understand how local police conduct traffic stops and what prosecutors look for in resolving cases.

Clients choose me because:

I provide personal attention — every client deals directly with me.I offer flat-fee representation and free consultations.I combine local knowledge with decades of courtroom experience.I focus on results: protecting your license and avoiding a conviction.

Your future, career, and reputation are worth protecting. I treat every case — no matter how small — with the seriousness it deserves.

All DUI arrests in New Canaan are prosecuted in Stamford Superior Court (GA-1), 123 Hoyt Street, Stamford, CT 06905.

Your license is subject to an automatic 45-day suspension unless you request a DMV hearing within seven days of arrest.

It’s a court-supervised education program for first-time DUI offenders. Successful completion results in dismissal of the charge.

Yes. Many first-time offenders qualify for IDIP or obtain dismissals through procedural challenges or lack of evidence.

Refusing the test triggers an automatic longer suspension. Always consult an attorney immediately after an arrest before making decisions.

In most cases, your lawyer can appear on your behalf for early court dates, minimizing disruption to your job or family.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in New Canaan, you don’t have to face it alone. Quick action and experienced representation can mean the difference between a clean record and a permanent conviction.

Call (203) 357-5555 or visit my contact page for a free, confidential consultation. Let me help you protect your license, your record, and your future.