If you have been charged with a DUI in Connecticut, you might be unsure of what your options are or how you should handle the case. Being arrested for any crime can be pretty scary and overwhelming. Because even a first-offense DUI carries pretty significant penalties, it is always a good idea to consult with a criminal defense attorney about your rights.
In Connecticut, a first offense DUI may result in a minimum of 48 hours in jail, steep fines, and a driver’s suspension. You will also be subject to administrative penalties, including an automatic 45-day license suspension. If you have been charged with a DUI, even if it’s a misdemeanor first offense DUI, you should contact a Connecticut DUI lawyer immediately.
The Sills Law Firm represents individuals charged with all types of criminal offenses in Connecticut. We offer free initial consultations so that you have a better understanding of your options before you make any decisions about your case. Reach out to our law offices today to talk to a Connecticut DUI defense attorney.
Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Connecticut
In Connecticut, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are arrested for operating under the influence (OUI), you could be facing both criminal and administrative penalties. Even for a first-offense OUI, you could be sentenced to jail time in addition to losing your license.
Criminal Penalties
Connecticut law provides that a person is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For minors, the legal limit is lower at 0.02%. Commercial drivers can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they have a BAC of 0.04%.
Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be arrested for OUI if you are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. If convicted of this offense, you may be subject to the following criminal penalties:
- A 45-day driver’s license suspension, with a requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year before regaining driving privileges
- A fine of $500 to $1,000
- A mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours, with a total sentence of up to 6 months, or
- A suspended jail sentence of 6 months with 100 hours of community service
These penalties will be imposed if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated. They are separate from any administrative penalties that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may impose. If you have been charged with a DUI in Connecticut, you should contact a CT criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Administrative Penalties
If you either fail or refuse a chemical test after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, the DMV will automatically suspend your license. This suspension will happen regardless of what happens with the criminal case.
This administrative suspension will be for a period of 45 days. It typically begins 30 days from an arrest. If you request a hearing (known as an Administrative Per Se hearing), then the license suspension will not start unless and until a hearing officer determines that you did drive under the influence.
To restore your driving privileges, the DMV requires the installation of an IID before reinstatement. The length of time that you will be required to have an IID installed is based on the facts of your case. For a first offense DUI for a person under the age of 21 at the time of the offense, the IID must be installed for 1 year. For a first offense DUI for a driver aged 21 or older, the IID must be installed for 6 months.
Defending Against a Connecticut DUI Charge
A first offense DUI might not seem like a big deal. In reality, getting a DUI means that you will be hit with a license suspension, steep fines, and potential jail time. You will also have a criminal record and have to deal with other issues, like increased car insurance costs. In addition, having a DUI on your record means that if you get a second DUI, the potential penalties are much higher.
It is possible to defend against an OUI charge with the help of an experienced Connecticut DUI defense lawyer. There are many possible defenses to a DUI based on the facts of your case. This may include:
- You were not actually impaired.
- Any signs of intoxication that you exhibited were due to a medical issue.
- Field sobriety tests are not accurate.
- Rising blood alcohol levels caused the positive chemical test.
- A medical issue, such as diabetes, caused your high BAC.
- There was no legal justification for the stop.
- The arresting officer did not follow the proper procedure.
There are many potential defenses to a DUI charge depending on the specifics of your case. Our law firm will analyze your case to develop the strongest possible legal and factual defenses to the charges against you.
Charged with a DUI in Connecticut? Give Us a Call.
Even a first-time DUI conviction can have serious consequences, including jail time and a driver’s license suspension. You don’t simply have to plead guilty and accept these penalties. Our law offices are well-equipped to help our clients get the best possible outcome, with years of experience handling all levels of DUI offenses.
With offices in both Hartford and Waterbury, the Sills Law Firm advocates for the rights of clients who have been charged with driving under the influence and related offenses throughout Connecticut. Whether it is your first DUI charge or your third, we will develop a smart strategy to protect your legal rights. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut DUI defense lawyer, give our law office a call at 860-524-8118 or fill out our online contact form.
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- Hartford DUI Lawyer
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- Meriden DUI Lawyer
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- How to Avoid Jail Time For Second DUI in CT
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- How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Connecticut?
- What to Expect with a 1st Offense DUI in CT
