Connecticut DUI Lawyers

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Connecticut, you’re probably scared, uncertain, and wondering what happens next.

I understand that fear. I’ve seen it on the faces of countless clients who have sat across from me after being handcuffed, booked, and told they could lose their license, their job, or even their freedom.

But here’s the truth: a DUI arrest doesn’t have to ruin your life. With the right Connecticut DUI lawyer by your side, you can protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and fight for the best possible outcome.

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Connecticut, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to speak with a top-rated Connecticut DUI lawyer today!

This guide will help you understand what a DUI charge means in Connecticut, what penalties you could face, and how an experienced Connecticut DUI attorney can make all the difference in your case.

Understanding DUI in Connecticut

A DUI in Connecticut, legally referred to as “Operating Under the Influence” (OUI), is defined under Connecticut General Statutes §14-227a.

The law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (0.02% for drivers under 21).

Unlike some states, Connecticut’s DUI laws don’t require proof that your driving was erratic, just that your BAC exceeded the legal limit or that your ability to drive was impaired.

That means even if you were driving carefully, you can still be charged with DUI if your BAC test shows 0.08% or higher.

For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is lower: 0.04%. Violating this threshold can result in immediate disqualification from commercial driving, even for a first offense.

The DUI Arrest Process in Connecticut

When a Connecticut law enforcement officer suspects you of driving under the influence, they typically follow a structured process that includes:

1. Initial Stop:
   The police officer must have a valid reason to pull you over such as speeding, swerving, or a broken taillight.
2. Field Sobriety Tests:
   You may be asked to perform standardized tests like the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, or horizontal gaze nystagmus test. These are meant to gauge coordination and attention, but they’re also highly subjective.
3. Breath or Blood Test:
   Under Connecticut’s Implied Consent Law (§14-227b), you automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) when you drive in the state. Refusing these tests leads to an automatic license suspension by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), separate from any criminal penalties.
4. Arrest and Booking:
   If the officer believes you’re impaired, you’ll be arrested, processed at the station, and possibly held until you can be released on bond or to a responsible party.
5. Administrative License Suspension:
   Within days of your arrest, you’ll receive notice that your driver’s license may be suspended. You have only seven days to request a DMV hearing to challenge this suspension. This is a critical window and where hiring a Connecticut DUI attorney early can make a major difference.

DUI and Implied Consent in Connecticut

Under Connecticut’s Implied Consent Law (§14-227b), all drivers implicitly agree to chemical testing when lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal has serious consequences:

• First Refusal: 6-month license suspension
• Second Refusal: 1-year suspension
• Third or Subsequent Refusal: 3-year suspension

However, refusing the test can sometimes make it harder for prosecutors to prove your case in court, as they lose the BAC evidence. Whether refusal helps or hurts depends on your circumstances — another area where a Connecticut DUI attorney’s guidance is essential.

Connecticut DUI Penalties

Penalties for a DUI in Connecticut depend on your prior record and the specifics of your case including your BAC level, whether an accident occurred, and whether anyone was injured.

Here’s a breakdown of typical penalties:

Offense	Jail Time	Fines	License Suspension	Ignition Interlock Device (IID)	Additional Penalties
First Offense (Misdemeanor)	Up to 6 months (2 days mandatory minimum or 100 hours community service)	$500 – $1,000	45 days	1 year after reinstatement	Probation, alcohol education program, possible victim impact panel
Second Offense (within 10 years)	120 days to 2 years (120 days mandatory minimum)	$1,000 – $4,000	45 days	3 years after reinstatement	Mandatory substance abuse treatment, community service, probation
Third or Subsequent Offense (Felony)	1 – 3 years (1 year mandatory minimum)	$2,000 – $8,000	Permanent revocation (eligible for reinstatement after several years)	Required upon reinstatement	Felony record, mandatory treatment, extended probation
Refusal of Chemical Test (Implied Consent Violation)	—	—	6 months (first refusal); 1 year (second); 3 years (third)	Required upon reinstatement	DMV administrative penalties separate from criminal case

Aggravating Factors That Can Increase Penalties

Certain circumstances can lead to harsher punishment or felony charges. Common aggravating factors include:

Aggravating Circumstance	Possible Charge Level	Jail Time	Fines	License Suspension / Revocation	Additional Penalties
High BAC (0.16% or higher)	Enhanced misdemeanor or felony (depending on prior offenses)	Up to 1 year (minimum 120 days for repeat offenders)	$1,000 – $4,000	45 days to permanent revocation	Longer IID period, mandatory alcohol treatment, increased probation
DUI with Minor Passenger (under 18)	Felony	1 – 3 years	$2,000 – $8,000	License revocation (minimum 1 year)	Child endangerment enhancement, possible DCF investigation
DUI Resulting in Injury (Vehicular Assault)	Felony (C.G.S. §53a-60d)	1 – 5 years	Up to $5,000	License revocation (minimum 1 year)	Mandatory treatment, probation, restitution to victims
DUI Resulting in Death (Vehicular Manslaughter)	Felony (C.G.S. §53a-56b)	2 – 10 years	Up to $10,000	Permanent license revocation	Felony record, long-term probation, restitution, possible parole conditions
Driving on Suspended or Revoked License (due to DUI)	Felony	1 – 5 years	Up to $5,000	Extended revocation	Additional jail time, fines, and mandatory IID period

 

Connecticut courts take aggravating factors very seriously when determining DUI sentences. If your case involves a high BAC, a child passenger, or an accident that causes injury or death, the prosecutor will typically push for enhanced penalties and felony charges under Connecticut General Statutes §§ 53a-60d and 53a-56b.

These cases often result in a mandatory jail sentence, higher fines, and longer ignition interlock device requirements. Judges also have discretion to order alcohol treatment, community service, or restitution to victims.

Because of these higher stakes, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable Connecticut DUI lawyer who understands how to challenge aggravating circumstances and protect your rights in court.

The Impact of a DUI Conviction in Connecticut

A DUI conviction in Connecticut carries consequences far beyond the courtroom. You could face:

• Permanent criminal record: A DUI stays on your record for 10 years, potentially affecting employment and background checks.
• Higher insurance premiums: Many insurers dramatically raise rates or drop coverage entirely.
• Professional consequences: Certain careers such as nursing, teaching, law enforcement, and commercial driving may require reporting DUI convictions.
• Immigration effects: Non-citizens may face visa or residency complications.
• Travel restrictions: Some countries, like Canada, can deny entry for DUI convictions.

That’s why hiring a Connecticut DUI attorney as soon as possible is critical to minimizing long-term damage.

Talk To A DUI Defense Attorney Near You

Drunk Driving Defense has listings for DUI lawyers all across the State of Connecticut. Click on your city below to find a top-rated DUI lawyer near you.