Headshot of Philip Maddalena

Hartford DUI Defense Lawyer – Top Drunk Driving Defense Attorney in CT

Arrested for DUI in Connecticut? Get a Skilled DUI Defense Attorney on Your Side

Getting charged with a DUI can feel like the end of the world — but it’s not. At MadLaw, we help drivers protect their freedom, license, and future through smart, aggressive legal defense. 

Connecticut DUI Defense with a Track Record of Results

Getting charged with a DUI in Connecticut is overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. At MadLaw, our Connecticut DUI defense attorneys focus on protecting your license, freedom, and future. Whether you’re facing a first DUI charge or you’ve been arrested before, we help build a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.

A DUI arrest can lead to serious consequences under Connecticut criminal law — including license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time. But a DUI charge is not the same as a DUI conviction. Our DUI lawyers in Connecticut know how to challenge everything from the traffic stop to the DUI investigation itself. We represent clients in both criminal court and DMV hearings across the state of Connecticut, fighting to minimize the impact on your record and your life.

Attorney Philip Maddalena, a former public defender and experienced criminal defense lawyer, brings years of defense experience to every case. We work with people across Hartford, Fairfield County, and New Haven County — providing aggressive representation in Connecticut DUI cases. From breath test refusals to commercial driver arrests, we fight for the best possible outcome every time.

If you’ve been charged with DUI, don’t wait. Contact a top CT DUI defense attorney at MadLaw today to schedule your free case review.

DUI Charges and Related Offenses We Handle

First-Time DUI Offenses in Connecticut

We aim to reduce charges or secure eligibility for Connecticut’s Pretrial Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP).

Repeat DUI Offenses Under Connecticut DUI Law

Second and third offenses carry harsher penalties — we know how to challenge prior convictions and fight mandatory jail.

Refusal to Submit to DUI Testing

You still have defense options, even if you refused a test — and we know how to use them.

DUI with Injury or Property Damage

Complex charges involving injury or property damage require immediate and strategic defense.

Commercial DUI (CDL) Cases

Protecting your CDL means protecting your livelihood — we take that responsibility seriously.

Who Needs a DUI Defense Attorney in Connecticut?

Drivers Facing DUI or OUI Charges in Hartford or Anywhere in CT

Don’t face the court or DMV without a skilled legal advocate on your side. 

First-Time Offenders Looking to Avoid a Criminal Record

We help clients qualify for diversion programs that can keep their record clean.

Drivers Who Refused Testing or Blew Over the Legal Limit

There may be issues with how the test was administered — and we investigate them all.

People Worried About Losing Their Driver’s License

We fight for your ability to drive — and help navigate DMV hearings and reinstatement.

A DUI Defense Lawyer Who Solves Real Problems

License Suspension, License Reinstatement, and DMV Hearings

We represent you at your DMV hearing and advocate for license reinstatement or limited driving privileges.

Avoiding Jail and Minimizing Fines

We fight to reduce or eliminate incarceration and minimize financial penalties.

Keeping a DUI Off Your Criminal Record

We explore every option to protect your record — especially for first-time offenders.

Protecting Your Job and Insurance Rates

We help reduce the long-term consequences of a DUI on your career and insurance rates.

Why MadLaw Is the Right CT DUI Defense Law Firm for You

Led by a Former Public Defender with Criminal Law Experience

Attorney Maddalena has handled hundreds of DUI cases — and knows how prosecutors build (and break) them.

Full Representation in Criminal Court and DMV Hearings

We don’t just show up in court — we also represent you in your DMV suspension hearing to protect your license.

Clear Strategy from a Trusted Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorney

We’ll tell you what’s real, what’s possible, and what your strongest path forward is. 

Accessible When You Need a DUI Lawyer Most

DUI arrests don’t happen 9–5. We offer quick, responsive access when you’re panicked or in need.

DUI Defense FAQs – After a DUI Arrest in Connecticut

What happens after a DUI arrest in Connecticut?

After a DUI arrest in Connecticut, you’ll face both a criminal case and a DMV hearing. It’s critical to hire a skilled Connecticut DUI attorney immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense strategy.

Possibly. The state of Connecticut can suspend your license unless you act fast. A CT DUI defense attorney can help request a DMV hearing and work to delay or avoid suspension.

Not always. A first offense DUI conviction may qualify for Connecticut’s IDIP program or a suspended sentence. A seasoned DUI defense lawyer can help you avoid jail and explore all alternatives.

As of 2024, under Connecticut DUI law, the legal limit is .08% for adults, .02% for drivers under 21, and .04% for CDL/commercial drivers. A DUI lawyer in Connecticut can challenge BAC results and testing procedures.

Yes. An experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney can challenge how the test was administered, whether the machine was calibrated properly, and whether the DUI stop was legal.

Absolutely. Even a first Connecticut DUI charge can lead to a permanent criminal record. A DUI attorney can help you qualify for diversion or reduce your charges.

You still have options. Refusing testing can carry penalties, but it also limits the prosecution’s evidence. A skilled Connecticut DUI defense lawyer can explore the best path forward.

You typically have 7 days to request a hearing. A DUI lawyer in Connecticut can file on your behalf and represent you before the Connecticut DMV.

Sometimes. Depending on your case, you may be eligible to clear your criminal record. A knowledgeable Connecticut criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the process.

Fees vary based on your DUI case complexity. At MadLaw, we offer transparent pricing and payment plans. Protecting your future is worth the investment.

A DUI conviction in Connecticut may lead to jail, fines, mandatory treatment, probation, license suspension, and community service. Penalties increase with each offense — hire a criminal defense attorney early.

No. While Connecticut DUI law doesn’t use a point system for DUIs, a conviction leads to a suspended license and stays on your record for 10 years.

Yes. Most convictions require you to complete a substance abuse education or treatment program, such as the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP) or an equivalent program ordered by the court.

It depends. A first-time DUI charge might not require jail. But second or third convictions often do. Work with an experienced Connecticut DUI attorney to minimize your risk.

Yes. Many criminal defense cases resolve with probation, including conditions like treatment, restricted driving, or IID installation. A strong defense lawyer can negotiate favorable terms.

In most Connecticut DUI cases, IID installation is required — even for first offenses. A DUI defense attorney can help you understand the terms and duration based on your case.

No. We’re not an insurance defense firm. MadLaw exclusively represents individuals facing DUI charges in Connecticut criminal courts — not companies or insurers.

We can defend your criminal case, but you’ll need a separate civil defense attorney for lawsuits involving personal injury or property damage.

No. MadLaw is a Connecticut criminal defense law firm serving individuals — not insurers or employers. Our focus is DUI and criminal defense, not corporate legal services.