DUI Lawyer in Hartford, CT
Connecticut DUI Attorney
If you've been arrested for DUI, you need a DUI attorney in Hartford who will fight for you. At Paetzold Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and getting them the best possible results. We have been fighting for the people of Connecticut for years, and we know how to get results. Don't go up against the state without an experienced DUI lawyer by your side.
Arrested for DUI? Contact us or call us at (860) 356-3805 for a free consultation with a DUI attorney in Hartford.
DUI Laws, Penalties & Local Procedures in Hartford
Connecticut enforces strict DUI laws for anyone operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher, and lower limits for drivers under 21. In Hartford, arrests frequently result in both administrative and criminal proceedings. The Superior Court for the Judicial District of Hartford hears DUI cases and applies state penalties such as fines, jail sentences, probation, community service, and ignition interlock device requirements.
First-time offenders may qualify for the Impaired Driver Intervention Program, but a conviction—even for a first offense—can lead to a criminal record and license suspension. Repeat convictions bring harsher penalties, including longer suspensions and mandatory jail time. Hartford law enforcement strictly follows state policies and regularly conducts sobriety checkpoints, especially during holidays and major events. These enforcement practices mean any driver facing a DUI charge in Hartford will encounter local courts and procedures, making prompt action and proper legal counsel from a DUI attorney in Hartford crucial for a strong defense.
License Suspension & DMV Hearings: What to Expect in Hartford
Connecticut law requires individuals charged with DUI or drunk driving to address a separate license suspension process with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Arrested people receive a suspension notice and must quickly request a DMV hearing if they wish to dispute it. DMV hearings in Hartford review whether proper procedures were followed, if test results meet legal standards, and if any errors appear in the arrest record. While these administrative hearings do not decide guilt for the criminal case, the outcome will directly affect your driving privileges.
In Connecticut, failing to request a hearing or provide needed information leads to automatic suspension regardless of the status of your criminal case. Hartford DMV hearings are hosted at local or regional offices, and the process can involve local documentation or scheduling practices not found elsewhere in the state. At Paetzold Law Group, our legal team of DUI lawyers in Hartford helps guide clients through these complexities so you fully understand every available option to preserve your driving rights while your criminal case proceeds.
Common Defenses from Our DUI Attorneys in Hartford & Factors That Affect Your Case
DUI and drunk driving cases in Hartford are influenced by the details of every stop, arrest, and chemical test. Our defense begins by evaluating whether the arresting officer had lawful grounds for the initial stop and probable cause for the arrest. Poorly administered sobriety or breath tests may result in the exclusion of evidence. If a health issue or language barrier made you perform poorly on field tests, or if road or weather conditions interfered, these facts can impact your defense.
Hartford’s winter weather and busy roads sometimes affect roadside testing and observations used in court. The attorneys at Paetzold Law Group review police documents, body camera footage, and witness accounts when available. We look for issues in paperwork, missed steps in police protocol, and mistakes during booking that may strengthen your defense and improve your position in court proceedings.
Call us at (860) 356-3805 today to schedule an initial consultation with our DUI attorneys in Hartford.
Client Reviews
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"I had a great experience"
These are great people and I'm very thankful.
- Quins M. -
"Phenomenal representation all around."
Highly recommend to anyone in the area.
- Dan D. -
"He actually cares about who he is helping"
He actually cares about who he is helping and I appreciate him.
- Rodney T. -
"I would recommend him to anyone!"
William Paetzold represented me on DUI that should have been a second and got it down to a first.
- James H. -
"Bill Paetzold is a "good man" I was told this by someone who had worked with him."
He is knowledgeable and astute while being kind and "down to earth" Bill will explain the whole legal process as well as the terminology in a manner a lay person can understand.
- Lisa A. -
"I was represented by Bill Paetzold, and I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney!"
He fights for his clients passionately and things worked out for me as I hope they will for you. I’ve never written a review in my life, but I’ve had an experience worth sharing!
- Jeffery S. -
"Accurate, Confident, Trustworthy, Fair and an Impeccable lawyer."
Mr. Paetzold is a remarkable lawyer with years of expierence and knowledge that are unmatched.
- Michelle C.
What Is Involved in a DUI Case?
If you have been arrested for DUI, you may wonder what to expect in your case. The state must prove that you operated a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Prosecutors will rely on the testimony of the arresting officer, along with any available video or audio recordings.
You may also encounter evidence such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and chemical testing. Law enforcement in Hartford and throughout Connecticut observes specific protocols for administering these tests. If an officer failed to follow procedure or used outdated equipment, it may affect whether key pieces of evidence hold up in court. Timing is critical for chemical tests, as delays or improper storage can impact the reliability of results used against you. Our legal team reviews not only the methods police used but also the chain of custody for all evidence introduced at your hearing.
After the state presents its case, you have the opportunity to present your defense. You may choose to have a breathalyzer test performed by your own doctor, and you can ask your own expert to review the officer's conduct and the vehicle you drove. You can also call your own witnesses to testify on your behalf.
In addition to these steps, you can challenge the way law enforcement handled your stop or arrest. For example, if the officer who pulled you over in Hartford did not have probable cause, your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence that resulted from the stop. You may also dispute the results of sobriety tests if medical conditions, roadway conditions, or language barriers affected your performance. By gathering statements from witnesses who saw the arrest or the events leading up to it, you create a stronger record in your favor. Attorneys often request video footage from body cameras or dash cams to review what occurred during your encounter with local police. This comprehensive approach helps uncover details that may benefit your defense in the Hartford court system.
Why Choose Us for Your DUI Defense?
At Paetzold Law Group, we recognize that a DUI conviction can affect your life long-term. You might face challenges finding employment or housing, and you could face significant fines. We understand you need an advocate to fight for you and seek the best possible results.
Our Hartford DUI lawyers draw on years of experience defending DUI cases, and we strive to pursue favorable results for every client.
We have a deep understanding of Connecticut’s DUI laws and court practices specific to Hartford. Our team helps you navigate DMV hearings that address license suspension, and we explain the effect of a DUI on your driving privileges—whether this is your first or subsequent offense. We also advise clients on alcohol education programs, ignition interlock device requirements, and community service expectations that often arise in Hartford County. If English is not your primary language, you can access our services in Spanish, helping you make informed decisions at every stage. You have access to our lawyers for guidance 24/7, including after-hours and weekends, so you always have support when you need it most.
Schedule your initial consultation by calling our firm at (860) 356-3805 or filling out our online form.
