Westport DUI Lawyer
Compassionate Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Westport and Fairfield County for 30+ Years
Westport DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for DUI in Westport, CT, you need a seasoned Westport DUI attorney to protect your rights, your license, and your future. DUI charges are prosecuted aggressively in Connecticut and can affect your employment, finances, and reputation.
A DUI arrest can also lead to an immediate driver’s license suspension and skyrocketing insurance premiums. Because the stakes are so high, it is critical to act quickly and build a strong defense.
Westport DUI ArrestsAll Westport DUI arrests are now prosecuted at the Stamford Superior Court, 123 Hoyt Street, Stamford, CT. The Westport Police Department conducts frequent DUI patrols and checkpoints, especially around downtown, the Post Road, and waterfront areas where nightlife is most active.
Westport is a close-knit community where news travels quickly. For many people, being arrested for DUI is not only stressful but also highly embarrassing. A large portion of our Westport clients are high-net-worth professionals, executives, and business owners who are understandably concerned about keeping the matter as discreet as possible.
We understand these concerns and provide white-glove service tailored to protect your privacy while achieving the most favorable outcome. Our goal is to handle your case efficiently, minimize court appearances when possible, and resolve the matter with the least amount of notoriety or public attention.
DUI Involving Alcohol, Prescription Drugs, or Medical MarijuanaUnder Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227a, you can be charged with DUI for operating under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, or even legally prescribed medical marijuana. Having a medical cannabis card is not a defense to DUI charges.
DUI Traffic Stops & Field Sobriety TestsTo stop your vehicle, police must have reasonable suspicion—something more than a hunch. Common reasons include erratic driving, speeding, or equipment violations. After the stop, police look for physical signs of impairment and may request that you perform field sobriety tests.
These tests are voluntary and often unreliable. Many sober people cannot pass them under stress, fatigue, or nerves. You are not required to perform them, and declining can prevent damaging video evidence from being used against you in court.
We always recommend that clients do not answer any police questions about whether they were drinking, where they are coming from, or anything else. Likewise, you should politely refuse to perform field sobriety tests. A safe response is:
👉 “I don’t feel comfortable answering any questions or doing a field sobriety test without a lawyer present.”
Chemical Testing & DMV Per Se SuspensionConnecticut’s implied consent law (§ 14-227b) requires you to submit to chemical testing (usually a breathalyzer) after a DUI arrest. Refusal triggers a license suspension and ignition interlock requirements, though you are entitled to speak with an attorney before deciding.
The DMV will also pursue a per se suspension separate from your criminal case. You typically have only 7 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to contest the suspension. Acting quickly with a lawyer can help preserve your driving privileges.
Learn more about DUI DMV Per Se Hearings.
Defending DUI ChargesAn arrest is not a conviction. A skilled Westport DUI lawyer will review every detail—why you were stopped, how sobriety tests were conducted, whether the breathalyzer was calibrated, and whether your constitutional rights were respected.
We regularly negotiate favorable outcomes, including dismissal, reduction of charges, or entry into diversionary programs like the Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP) that can help keep your record clean.
Why Choose Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer?- Over 30 years of experience defending DUI cases in Fairfield County
- Familiarity with Stamford Superior Court and local prosecutors
- Aggressive, strategic, and compassionate representation
- Flat-fee arrangements and clear communication from start to finish
All DUI cases from Westport are now heard at Stamford Superior Court, 123 Hoyt Street, Stamford, CT.
2. Will I Lose My License After a DUI Arrest in Westport?Yes. The DMV may impose a suspension separate from your criminal case. Act quickly—DUI DMV hearings must be requested within 7 days.
3. What Happens if I Refused the Breathalyzer Test?We generally recommend that first-time DUI offenders take the breathalyzer test. Under Connecticut law, refusing a chemical alcohol test results in a 45-day license suspension followed by a one-year ignition interlock device requirement. By contrast, failing the test carries the same 45-day suspension but only a six-month interlock requirement. In most cases, taking the test leads to a more favorable outcome and avoids the harsher one-year interlock penalty.
4. Can I Get a DUI in Westport if I Was Taking Prescription Medication?Yes. Connecticut’s DUI law applies to alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs if they impair your ability to drive.
5. Is Medical Marijuana a Defense to DUI in Westport?No. Medical marijuana does not protect you from prosecution if THC impaired your driving.
6. Will I Have to Go to Jail for a First-Time DUI in Westport?Most first-time DUI offenders are eligible for the IDIP program, which can result in dismissal upon completion. Jail is rare for first-time DUI with no aggravating factors.
7. How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Westport?We offer flat-fee arrangements with transparent pricing. Costs vary by case complexity, but you’ll know your fee up front.
8. Do I Have to Perform Field Sobriety Tests if Asked by Westport Police?No. Field sobriety tests are voluntary and often unreliable.
9. How Can a DUI Conviction Affect My Future?A DUI conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, higher insurance, employment challenges, and difficulty obtaining professional licenses.
10. What Should I Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Westport?Contact an experienced Westport DUI defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Westport DUI Resources- Westport Police Department – Official website for the Westport Police, including contact information, community resources, and public safety updates.
- Town of Westport – Westport’s official municipal website with information on local government, community services, and town resources.
- Stamford Superior Court – All Westport DUI cases are prosecuted at Stamford Superior Court, located at 123 Hoyt Street in Stamford.
If you have been charged with DUI in Westport, don’t face the system alone. With over three decades of experience defending clients in Fairfield County, I will fight to protect your freedom, your license, and your future.
👉 Contact me today for a free consultation. Or call (203) 357-5555 — available 24/7.