1. What are the minimum and maximum penalties for a first time DUI offense in Connecticut?
The minimum penalty for a first time DUI offense in Connecticut is a $500 fine, up to six months in prison, and a driver’s license suspension of at least 45 days. The maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine, up to six months in prison, and a driver’s license suspension of up to two years.
2. What is the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in Connecticut?
The legal BAC limit in Connecticut is 0.08%.
3. Is it a criminal offense to refuse to take a chemical test after being pulled over for suspicion of DUI in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, motorists are subject to the state’s “implied consent” laws. This means that if you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you must submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). If you refuse, you can be arrested and charged with DUI–even if your BAC is below the legal limit. Refusal is also a criminal offense punishable by fines and/or jail time.
4. How long does a DUI conviction stay on an individual’s record in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, a DUI conviction will stay on an individual’s record for up to 10 years.
5. Are there any exceptions to the zero tolerance policy on underage drinking and driving in Connecticut?
No, there are no exceptions to the zero tolerance policy on underage drinking and driving in Connecticut. Any driver under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol content of .02% or more will be charged with driving under the influence and face legal consequences.
6. Are there any restrictions on the sale or possession of alcohol for drivers under 21 years of age in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, it is illegal for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 years of age to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
7. Are there any ignition interlock laws in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut has an ignition interlock device (IID) law. All convicted drunk drivers in Connecticut (with a BAC of 0.08 or higher) must install an IID in their vehicles for a period of one year before they are eligible for reinstatement of their driver’s license.
8. What type of license suspension is issued for a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, a driver convicted of a DUI offense will face a license suspension of 45 to 120 days for a first offense, 90 days to 2 years for a second offense, and 1 to 3 years for a third or subsequent offense. After the suspension period, the driver will need to reinstate their license with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
9. Is an individual required to attend drug and alcohol classes or treatment programs after being charged with a DUI in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the court may order someone convicted of a DUI to attend drug and alcohol classes or treatment programs as part of their sentence. The judge will consider the offender’s prior criminal record, the severity of the offense, and the offender’s willingness to participate in treatment when making a decision.
10. Does Connecticut have an implied consent law for chemical testing after a DUI arrest?
Yes, Connecticut has an implied consent law for chemical testing after a DUI arrest. According to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Any person who operates a motor vehicle in Connecticut is considered to have given implied consent to submit to an approved chemical test or tests of the blood, breath or urine for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of such person’s blood, or the presence of any drug or other substance in such person’s system, or both.”
11. Are there any laws requiring sobriety checkpoints or roadblocks in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut has laws requiring sobriety checkpoints or roadblocks when conducted in accordance with certain standards. Sobriety checkpoints must be conducted in a manner that minimizes inconvenience to the public and is conducted in an area that is visible to the motoring public. In addition, the checkpoints must be advertised in advance in the local media.
12. Are there any restrictions on the types of vehicles an individual may operate following a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, following a DUI conviction, individuals may be restricted from operating certain types of vehicles. Depending upon the severity of the DUI conviction, the individual may be restricted from operating any motor vehicle that requires them to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or any vehicle requiring the operation of a hazardous material endorsement. Additionally, the court may order an ignition interlock device installed and require them to use this device while operating their vehicle.
13. Is it possible to have a DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense in Connecticut?
Yes, it is possible to have a DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense in Connecticut. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the prosecution and defense may be able to negotiate a plea agreement where the accused pleads guilty to a lesser offense such as reckless driving or negligent driving.
14. What is the legal limit for open containers of alcoholic beverages while driving in Connecticut?
It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol, meaning a container that is partially or completely empty, in a passenger area of a vehicle that is on a public highway in Connecticut. This applies to drivers and passengers alike.
15. Does insurance coverage change after a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
Yes, insurance coverage will change after a DUI conviction in Connecticut. Convicted drivers may face higher premiums, increased deductibles, and coverage restrictions. Insurance companies may also refuse to provide coverage for convicted drivers, forcing them to seek additional coverage through high risk insurers.
16. Are there any circumstances where an individual may drive with revoked license resulting from a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
No, an individual cannot drive with a revoked license resulting from a DUI conviction in Connecticut. This is a serious offense and can result in harsh criminal penalties.
17. Are there any laws that make it illegal to operate a vehicle without insurance after being convicted of a DUI in Connecticut?
Yes. Drivers convicted of DUI in Connecticut are required to maintain a liability insurance policy with coverage of at least $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. The driver must also carry an SR-22 certificate with the insurance company’s name and address. The SR-22 is a form that states that the driver has the minimum required liability insurance coverage. Failure to meet these requirements can result in suspension of the driver’s license.
18. Is plea bargaining allowed for DUI cases in Connecticut?
Yes, plea bargaining is allowed for DUI cases in Connecticut.
19. How long does an individual have to request a hearing with the DMV regarding driver’s license revocation for a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, an individual has 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV regarding driver’s license revocation for a DUI conviction.
20. Does Connecticut offer any programs that allow individuals to get their driver’s license reinstated following a DUI conviction?
Yes, Connecticut does offer programs that allow individuals to get their driver’s license reinstated following a DUI conviction. The programs are available through the Department of Motor Vehicles and can include alcohol education classes, an Ignition Interlock Device, and/or the Safe Driving Practices Program.