How to Find Information on the DUI Penalty in Connecticut

Driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as the operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. State laws vary, with a benchmark for DUI violations at 0.08 BAC (blood alcohol content). Connecticut goes beyond this standard by imposing additional penalties for drivers with a BAC of 0.16 and over. Here is more information on DUI law in Connecticut.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. All Connecticut drivers give implied consent to alcohol testing in DUI cases. State law allows police officers to request a blood alcohol content (BAC) test after detainment. Drivers who do not cooperate have their licenses suspended for at least six months (see Resources below).

2. Drivers must appear before municipal courts and a DMV administrator to determine the state of a litigant's license. Penalties increase with each offense and with offenses involving minors. License suspensions and other penalties are described on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site (see Resources below).

3. Connecticut municipal and state court judges have the power to levy thousands of dollars in fines and must revoke licenses permanently for a third DUI offense. These offenses are criminal in the state of Connecticut, which means that court judgments supersede DMV judgments.

4. The Sixth Amendment allows every litigant access to free counsel, and public defenders are knowledgeable of state law. If you can, work with a lawyer who is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (see Resources below).

5. In Connecticut, drivers under the age of 21 are considered legally impaired with a BAC at or above 0.02. These drivers face 3-month license suspensions or delayed licenses for student drivers.

Tips & Warnings

• Police officers are required by law to read Fifth Amendment rights before arresting drivers accused of DUI. Evidence gathered without a Miranda rights reading cannot be used in court.
• On the second offense, treatment and education on DUI laws is required through several private vendors in the state, including Connecticut's DMV Operator Retraining program.

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