DUI & DWI

For the past two decades, Connecticut has been out in front compared to other states in the fight against driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI). So you can expect to be hit hard if you get arrested for DUI, especially if you are under 21.

What is a DUI?

Keep these numbers in mind before you get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol: You are considered to be DUI if you register .08 or above on a blood-alcohol test. If you are under 21, you only have to register .02 or over. Blood-alcohol level depends on a lot of factors, including the amount of time between drinks, the amount of food in your body, your weight, and your physical condition.

Implied Consent

When you get your driver's license, you are subject to an "implied consent" law, meaning that, by getting your license, you give your consent to be tested for DUI anytime. If you refuse a DUI test, you are breaking that implied consent law and will automatically lose your license for at least six months.

Penalties

Connecticut has strong mandatory penalties, even for a first DUI offense. First, administrative penalties from the Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Loss of license for at least 90 days, or longer if the blood-alcohol test shows .16 or higher

• Loss of license for at least six months for refusing to take a blood-alcohol test

These penalties are automatic and begin on the first of the month following your arrest. Second, criminal penalties from the state court system. These penalties result from a DUI conviction and are above and beyond any administrative penalties from the DMV:

• First offense: One-year suspended license; six-month jail sentence, with 48 hours mandatory minimum time in jail, or a suspended sentence with 100 hours of community service; fine from $500 to $1,000.

• Second offense: One-year suspended license, followed by two years with ignition interlock device; two-year jail sentence, with mandatory 120 days in jail; 100 hours of community service; fine of $1,000 to $4,000.

• Third offense: Revocation of license; three-year sentence with one-year mandatory time in jail; 100 hours of community service; fine of up to $8,000.

In addition to the official penalties listed above, you may incur the following:

• Towing costs

• Bail bond

• Attorney costs

• Missed work time

• Cost of mandatory alcohol education program