Connecticut DUI laws are strict, and include financial penalties as well as mandatory sentencing. Their DUI laws cover the operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. You can be found guilty of driving while impaired if you are driving on a public highway, a private road with an established speed limit, in a parking lot intended for ten or more cars or on school grounds.
Implied Consent
Since a driver's blood alcohol concentration is the primary method used to determine whether or not the driver is legally intoxicated, Connecticut has an interesting "implied consent" law. If you drive a motor vehicle you are presumed to have already given your consent to have your blood alcohol concentration tested.
You will be found to be legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration is .08 or higher if you are over 21 years of age, but if you are under 21 years of age you are legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration of only .02.
Criminal and Administrative
Two types of laws in Connecticut protect people from impaired drivers. Criminal penalties are pursued through the court system and administrative laws are enforced by the Connecticut DMV.
Criminal penalties include fines, jail time and community service. Administrative penalties include suspension of your driver's license.
Mandatory Sentencing
If you are convicted of driving while impaired because of alcohol or drugs, you will receive a mandatory sentence. For a first offense you can expect:
- To be fined $500 - $1,000
- Minimum mandatory jail time of six months plus 48 hours OR 100 hours of community service along with six months in jail suspended
- Your driver's license will be suspended for one year
The mandatory sentencing for a second DUI conviction in Connecticut is much harsher:
- Fine of $2,000 - $4,000
- Minimum mandatory jail time is 2 years plus 120 days AND 100 hours of community service.
- If your DUI arrest happened in Connecticut your driver's license will be suspended for 1 year followed by 2 years of using an ignition interlock device
- If your DUI arrest happened out of state your driver's license will be suspended for 3 years
-
If you are under 21 and conviced of a second DUI offense, your license is suspended for 3 years or until you reach the age of 21, which ever is longer.
Get Legal Help
If you have been charged with a DUI, seek the help of a qualified defense attorney as soon as possible. You are entitled to representation and mandatory sentencing laws don't take effect until you have been convicted.
