- Serving Hartford, Connecticut
"I thought I was OK to drive."
When Facing DUI DWI OVI charges,
there may be options that can reduce or eliminate a conviction.
Schedule A Review

Proven Results, Trusted Representation – Our clients rely on us for aggressive DUI defense and consistently leave positive reviews.

We Offer Effective and Aggressive Legal Assistance.

Defending Your Future – Our strong track record of success keeps clients coming back and referring others in need.
Defend Your Rights with The Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC
- Our legal team offers individualized DUI defense, representing clients from diverse backgrounds and customizing strategies to fit their specific situations.
- Delivering effective DUI defense is paramount, and we achieve this while cultivating strong, long-term connections with our clients.
- Our commitment extends beyond standard legal practice; we strive for the most favorable client outcomes through comprehensive DUI defense.
Annually, close to 900,000 Americans are apprehended for DUI, and alarmingly, a third of those are repeat offenders. If you’re facing DUI allegations, a skilled defense attorney can be crucial in clarifying the legal procedures, potential consequences, and available courtroom strategies.
The Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC offers robust and strategically designed legal defense to individuals in the Hartford, CT area. Attorney Jason W. Messina is deeply committed to safeguarding your rights and relentlessly pursuing the most favorable resolution. If you face DUI charges, allow us to be your advocates.
Skilled and Dedicated Defense
Connecticut’s DUI laws can be intricate, and a conviction may lead to serious consequences. Securing a knowledgeable and committed defense attorney is essential to safeguarding your rights and achieving the best possible outcome. At the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, our experienced DUI attorneys are prepared to address your concerns and guide you through the legal process. No matter which firm you choose, it is critical to have a trusted and skilled DUI lawyer on your side as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know is facing a DUI charge, you may be unsure about the next steps or whether to communicate with law enforcement. Consulting with an attorney right away can provide clarity on your options and help you build a strong defense.
Attorney Jason W. Messina is a seasoned DUI lawyer who will challenge the State’s breath test and work to exclude it as evidence. If you are facing a DUI charge, he will thoroughly examine the case details and establish reasonable doubt about impairment to seek the most favorable outcome possible.

Protect Your Future with Strong DUI Defense
When dealing with DUI charges in the Hartford, CT area, selecting the right attorney is crucial. The key question to ask yourself is: “Can this lawyer secure the best possible outcome for my case?”
At the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, our dedicated and aggressive DUI defense attorneys are focused on protecting your rights and interests. With in-depth knowledge of the legal system, we provide strategic defense options that may not be available through a public defender. If you are facing a DUI charge, consulting with a skilled Hartford DUI lawyer is essential to protecting your future.
Your Defense, Your Future
At the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, we approach every DUI case with precision and strategy, leaving no detail unexamined and no defense unexplored. No matter how complex your situation may appear, our skilled attorneys are dedicated to identifying legal defenses that may not be immediately obvious to you or other law firms. Your future is our top priority, and we are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome on your behalf.


The Cost of a DUI Conviction in Connecticut
A DUI conviction in Connecticut comes with severe legal and financial consequences. Even for a first offense, individuals can face fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, a mandatory two-day jail sentence (or community service), and a 45-day license suspension. Repeat offenses carry harsher penalties, including higher fines, longer jail sentences, and extended ignition interlock device (IID) requirements. A third DUI offense may result in permanent license revocation, with the possibility of reinstatement after two years.
Beyond legal penalties, the financial burden of a DUI can be substantial. Court fees, attorney costs, and bail expenses can add up to thousands of dollars. Additionally, those convicted must often complete a DUI education program and cover the costs of IID installation and monthly maintenance. Auto insurance premiums can also skyrocket, sometimes doubling or tripling for several years. A DUI conviction may also impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, and even international travel, making it a costly and life-altering event.
Experienced DUI Attorney in Connecticut
Beyond legal defense, an experienced DUI attorney advocates for reduced penalties, negotiates plea deals, and protects your rights throughout the process. Without proper representation, you risk harsher consequences that could affect your job, insurance, and future opportunities. Having the right attorney greatly improves your chances of a favorable outcome.


Complex DUI Laws - Severe Penalties
Facing a DUI charge in Connecticut can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time, making it essential to have an experienced attorney on your side. A skilled DUI lawyer understands the legal system’s complexities and can challenge breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and probable cause to build a strong defense.
- Connecticut's Best DUI Defense Attorney
DUI Lawyer Hartford
The Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC
Do you need a skilled and experienced attorney in Hartford, CT? If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC is ready to assist.
Attorney Jason W. Messina offers dedicated legal defense for a variety of DUI cases, (read more).

Attorney, Jason W. Messina, provides legal representation in the Hartford, CT area. We are effective and aggressive and will work to help you get results that you need, from minor to major charges, at affordable rates. If you have been charged with a crime, contact us today for a free case review.
Protecting Your Rights with Expertise and Commitment
At the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, Attorney Jason W. Messina is a trusted DUI lawyer in Hartford, Connecticut, committed to protecting the rights of individuals facing Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Connecticut’s DUI laws, Attorney Jason W. Messina provides strategic defense solutions to minimize penalties and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Comprehensive DUI Defense in Hartford
A DUI charge can have serious consequences, including license suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time. Attorney Jason W. Messina understands what’s at stake and offers aggressive legal representation in cases involving:
- First-Time & Repeat DUI Offenses
- Breathalyzer & Field Sobriety Test Challenges
- License Suspensions & Appeals
- Felony DUI Charges
- Underage & Commercial Driver DUI
Why Choose Jason W. Messina?
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Hartford, CT, don’t face it alone. Attorney Jason W. Messina and the team at the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC are ready to fight for your rights and help you navigate the legal system with confidence.
- Proven Track Record: Successfully defending DUI cases in Hartford, CT and surrounding areas. Attorney Jason W. Messina has years of experience handling complex criminal defense and DUI cases across Connecticut, including Hartford and New Haven. His deep knowledge of state laws and local court procedures ensures strategic and effective representation.
- Aggressive DUI Defense: A strong defense can be the key to reducing charges or even dismissing a case. We aggressively challenge evidence, question procedures, and fight for the best possible outcome for our clients.
- Personalized Approach: Tailored defense strategies based on the specifics of your case. No two cases are alike. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and develop a customized defense tailored to your needs and circumstances.
- Dedicated to Protecting Your Future: A legal issue can impact your job, reputation, and personal life. We fight hard to minimize consequences and help you move forward with confidence.
- Knowledge of Connecticut DUI Laws: Skilled in identifying procedural errors and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Relentless Advocacy: Dedicated to achieving dismissals, charge reductions, or alternative sentencing options.
More About Attorney Jason W. Messina
Attorney Jason W. Messina leads The Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, a reputable law firm based in New Haven, Connecticut. He earned his Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law, where he honed his trial practice skills and participated in the American Association for Justice Trial Competition.
Before establishing his own practice, Attorney Messina gained valuable experience at esteemed law firms in Connecticut, focusing on personal injury, criminal defense, and landlord/tenant law. He has represented numerous clients across Connecticut’s criminal courts and has been involved in civil litigation cases from inception through jury verdict.
At The Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, the focus is on delivering high-quality legal services in criminal defense, DUI and traffic defense, and personal injury. Attorney Jason W. Messina is committed to understanding each client’s unique situation and providing personalized legal strategies to achieve favorable outcomes.
Outside of his legal practice, Attorney Jason W. Messina enjoys skiing, scuba diving, boating, and spending quality time with his family, especially his son, Jacob.
- Extensive DUI Defense Experience: Attorney Messina has represented numerous clients facing DUI charges across Connecticut, including Hartford, effectively navigating the complexities of DUI laws to protect their rights.
- Comprehensive Understanding of Hartford's Legal Landscape: His practice encompasses the Hartford area, providing him with in-depth knowledge of local courts and procedures, which is crucial for mounting a robust DUI defense.
- Personalized Legal Strategies: Recognizing that each DUI case is unique, Attorney Messina tailors his defense strategies to align with the specific circumstances of each client, aiming for the most favorable outcomes.
- Commitment to Client Education: He ensures that clients are well-informed about the DUI process, potential consequences, and available defense options, empowering them to make educated decisions.
Every state has some sort of “driving while intoxicated” statute. The term “driving while intoxicated” is in quotes because none of these laws require that you be “drunk” or “intoxicated” to be guilty. All that is required is that your ability to operate a vehicle has been impaired to any extent at all or that your Blood alcohol level exceeds the state limit (which is now .08% in all states).
An experienced DUI Defense lawyer can help you understand what you are up against and the fines you may be required to pay. A DUI lawyer mostly deals with DUI matters and knows the process inside and out – including options that a public defender may not tell you.
The consequences of a DUI vary greatly from state to state and a DUI lawyer will be able to explain how those consequences in your state apply to you such as (1) harsher punishments for those arrested with BAC limits over .08, (2) special laws for underage drivers arrested for DUI , (3) possible community service or plea bargaining, (4) overlapping jurisdiction of Courts and your state’s motor vehicle licensing department to suspend or revoke your license, and (5) contingent license programs that allow you to use your vehicle to get to and from work.
Dealing with the motor vehicle department can be frustrating and time consuming. A DUI Lawyer can manage the process for you by completing the required forms; making phone calls; scheduling and/or representing you at a Motor Vehicle Department suspension hearing, and making other necessary arrangements.
An experienced DUI Lawyer knows the ins and outs of the courtroom and may be able to obtain a lesser sentence for you if your situation and state law allows for it.
Here are some General Guidelines:
- DEFINITELY
- Definitely hire a DUI Lawyer if you already have several DUI and receive another; or if your DUI arrest was the result of an accident or if anyone was injured; or if you are a professional driver whose livelihood depends on keeping your license.
- PROBABLY
- Seriously consider hiring a DUI Lawyer if you’ve been arrested for a second DUI (in the same or another state) or were arrested with a BAC limit over double the legal limit as harsher penalties may apply.
- MAYBE
- You might want to hire a DUI Lawyer in Hartford, CT if you don’t understand your rights or DUI laws, what you need to do, or the consequences you face. You also might want legal representation if you are in a profession (or plan to be) that requires bonding or in which any criminal conviction might prevent you from getting or keeping a professional license. If you don’t know the requirements, then you need expert advice before handling the case yourself.


DUI Defense
- Being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
- At the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, we provide aggressive defense strategies to challenge field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and police procedures.
- Our goal is to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and help you navigate the legal system with confidence.
DWI Representation
- If you’ve been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), you need an experienced attorney on your side.
- We understand the complexities of DWI cases, from improper traffic stops to flawed chemical tests.
- Whether it's your first offense or a repeat charge, The Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC fights for reduced charges, license reinstatement, and the best possible outcome for your case.
OVI Legal Defense
- In Connecticut, Operating a Vehicle while Impaired (OVI) is a serious offense with harsh penalties, including automatic license suspension and increased insurance rates.
- Our firm specializes in OVI defense, examining every detail of your case to challenge evidence and protect your driving record.
- With the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, you’ll have a dedicated legal team working to secure the best resolution for your situation.
- 2015; JD - Western New England College of Law
- 2005; Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Connecticut State Bar
- Massachusetts State Bar
- United States District Court - Massachusetts
- United States District Court - Connecticut
- 2018 - Present; Principal Attorney - Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC
- 2017; Associate Attorney - Law Offices of Charles Kurmay
- 2012 - 2017; Associate Attorney - The Law Offices of Justin C. Freeman
- 1995 - Present; Lieutenant/Rescue Diver - Warehouse Point Fire Department
- 2006; Firefighter I - State of Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control
- 2006; Emergency Medical Technician - State of Connecticut Department of Health
- 2005; Certified Teacher K-12 Health and Physical Education - Pennsylvania Department of Education
Get Professional Legal Advice
If you’ve been arrested and charged with DUI in the state of Connecticut, it’s essential to seek the guidance of an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. If you have a legal question, concern, or would like to schedule a consultation simply fill out the form below.
If you have a legal question, concern, or would like to schedule a consultation simply fill out the form below.

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Contact the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC at (860) 989-9844 or via email with the form above.
How Can We Help You?
At the Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC, we are committed to protecting your freedom, your record and your rights. Attorney Jason W. Messina has vast legal experience in the fields of criminal law, personal injury and family law matters. If you are in need of serious legal representation you need an experienced attorney to help you get through this difficult time in you life. Jason W. Messina works hard to get his clients the best possible outcome for their situation. This is true no matter what the case may be.