Most states take a harsh stance on DUI crimes, and Connecticut is no exception. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Connecticut had the highest percentage of DUI fatalities of all 50 states in 2017, so law enforcement takes a punitive approach to anyone arrested for driving while under the influence.

If you are arrested for DUI, you’re facing a serious situation. Penalties for a conviction include thousands of dollars in fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and even jail time. If you have been convicted of DUI at least once before these penalties become even more severe, so working with a Connecticut criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your rights.

Connecticut DUI Penalties

The penalties associated with a DUI conviction in Connecticut will depend on your age, how far you were over the legal limit of 0.08%, and whether you were charged with DUI in the past. It is important to note that if you are under the age of 21, you can be found to have driven illegally under the influence of alcohol if your blood alcohol concentration level is .02% or higher.

First DUI Conviction Penalties

• Between two days and six months in jail OR a suspended sentence with probation and 100 hours of community service.
• Fine of $500 to $1000.
• Your driver’s license will be suspended for 45 days.
• You must have a driving ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle for one year.

Second DUI Conviction Penalties

• Minimum of 120 days in jail, up to two years.
• Probation with 100 hours of community service.
• Fine of $1000 to $4000.
• License suspended for 45 days.
• You must have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for three years.
• One year of driving limited to only work, school, and alcohol treatment programs.

Third DUI Conviction Penalties

• Minimum of one year in prison, up to three years.
• Probation with 100 hours of community service.
• Fine of $2000 to $8000.
• Permanent revocation of your driver’s license.

When facing any type of DUI charges, it can seem like your options are limited. To make it worse, the police and prosecutors will attempt to get you to quickly plead guilty in exchange for ‘reduced’ penalties. While it can be tempting to agree, doing so before you have retained counsel is not in your best interests. No matter what the specifics of your case are, there are ways that an attorney can help you to get the best outcome.

At The Sills Law Firm, we will work closely with you to learn as much as possible about your situation, and then craft a compelling legal defense. For example, we may be able to show that the breathalyzer test you took was improperly administered. In some cases, we can negotiate a deal where you are charged with a lesser offense, so you do not have the DUI on your record. However, our goal will always be to get the charges dropped entirely.

Our team has helped hundreds of people get the best possible outcomes when facing DUI charges, and we are ready to help you now. For a free initial consultation and case review, contact us at any time.

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