Charged with Connecticut DUI? Find a Connecticut DUI Attorney online

Just like in other states of America, the State of Connecticut has drunk driving laws to deal with DUI offenders. DUI or “Driving Under the Influence” is being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other chemical substance. The legal limit for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in the State of Connecticut is set to 0.08% for adult drivers, 0.02% or less for minor drivers under the age of 21 and 0.04% or less for commercial drivers.

DUI, also known as DWI or “Driving While Impaired” can have severe penalties and charges which can affect your future and can have long lasting consequences. Not only will you have to pay heavy fines, but also go through prison, license suspension, community service, alcohol or drug treatment programs and similar charges. The court can also order mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, which not only affects your personal freedom, but also has extra fees attached to it. At MYDUIAttorney, we list some of the common charges faced in DUI cases in the State of Connecticut, making it easy for you to understand what you may be charged with. We also have an online directory of lawyers and attorneys who specialize in local DUI laws, and can be hired to defend you in court.

All DUI cases in Connecticut receive both summons and a court date, and the court proceedings decide if the offender has to be convicted. The penalties and charges depend on the individual’s case under Connecticut’s criminal law. If you are convicted, your insurance rates will probably rise to an unmanageable level, leading to more complications for you. Therefore it is important that you hire a qualified Connecticut DUI lawyer who can defend you in court and reduce the charges against you.

First Time Connecticut DUI Offense

First time DUI offenders in the State of Connecticut are fined anywhere between $500 up to $1000, along with minimum of 48 hours in jail up to 6 months. Jail time can be suspended after an appeal in exchange with 100 hours of community service.

The offender’s vehicle is towed and impounded for 48 hours and the driver’s license is suspended for 1 year. First time offenders also have to complete a Substance Abuse Treatment Program.

Second Time Connecticut DUI Offense

A second drunk driving offense in the State of Connecticut is fined between $1000 up to $4000, and jailed for a minimum of 120 days up to 2 years. This can be quite alarming for offenders, who also have to go through 1 year license suspension, followed by use of an ignition interlock device for 2 years after the license suspension is over.

In the case of second time offenders also, the driver’s vehicle is towed and impounded for 48 hours, and the offender has to complete a Substance Abuse Treatment Program. Offenders also have to serve a minimum of 100 hours in Community Service.

Third Time Connecticut DUI Offense

Third time offenders face even harsher penalties and fines in the State of Connecticut. A fine of anywhere between $2000 up to $8000 has to be paid, along with minimum 1 year in jail up to 3 years. The driver’s license is permanently suspended, but in some cases, the offender may request a hearing for license renewal after 6 years of the offense. Offenders also have to serve 100 hours in a court approved community service.

Penalties for Persistent DUI Offenders

Anyone who has been charged with a DUI related offense within the last 10 years is considered as a “Persistent DUI offender” and may have to face harsher penalties. Usually, the court elevates the prison sentence to a higher degree felony offense. A persistent offender involved in 2nd degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

To fully understand the penalties associated with a Connecticut DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a Connecticut DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find a Connecticut drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline

Additional Resources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
• Connecticut State Bar Association