Put Our 30+ Years of DUI Defense to Work For You
Connecticut has stringent laws regarding driving under the influence. This punitive approach is motivated by the increasing number of drunk driving accidents on state roads and highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of all fatal crashes in the state in 2020 involved impaired drivers, so if you’re pulled over by law enforcement, you’ll likely be treated as guilty until proven innocent.
Those convicted of driving under the influence face criminal penalties and civil consequences that can impact their future. For example, your auto insurance premiums could increase to the point where they become entirely unaffordable. In addition, if you lose your driver’s license, you could have difficulty getting to work or school and even running your daily errands.
At The Sills Law Firm, LLC, our Meridien DUI attorneys have over 20 years of experience handling all types of DUI cases across Connecticut. Attorney Jonathan Sills is the author of Connecticut DUI Law and has successfully defended thousands of cases during his career. Attorney Sills and his team understand what’s at stake for you and will go the extra mile to protect your future.
DUI in Meriden, Connecticut- an Overview
In Connecticut, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in this state is 0.08%. Therefore, you will be charged with DUI if caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. In addition:
- If you are under 21, you can be charged with DUI if your BAC is 0.02% or higher.
- If you are operating a commercial vehicle, your BAC limit is 0.04%.
If you are arrested for DUI in Connecticut, you may face both criminal and administrative penalties. Criminal penalties may include fines, imprisonment, community service, and mandatory attendance at an alcohol education or treatment program, while administrative penalties include the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
Connecticut also has an implied consent law, which means that if you refuse to take a chemical test (such as a breathalyzer or blood test) to determine your BAC, you may face automatic license suspension and other penalties.
Connecticut DUI Penalties- an Overview
The penalties for DUI in Connecticut can vary depending on several factors, such as your BAC level, whether it is a first or subsequent offense, and whether there was any property damage or injury involved.
First Offense DUI
First-time DUIs in Connecticut are typically misdemeanors. However, it is important to note that if certain aggravating factors are present, such as causing an accident resulting in serious injury or death, the charge may be elevated to a felony.
Here are some of the penalties that you may face for first offense DUI in Connecticut:
- A fine of $500 to $1,000
- Up to 6 months in jail
- 45 days license suspension (with the possibility of an ignition interlock device)
- 100 hours of community service
- Alcohol education and treatment
- Installation of ignition interlock device
As a first-time offender, you may be eligible for certain diversionary programs such as the Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP), which can allow you to avoid a conviction if you successfully complete the program.
Second Offense DUI
A second-offense DUI in Connecticut is typically considered a Class D felony if it occurs within 10 years of a previous DUI conviction. Potential penalties include:
- A fine of $1,000 to $4,000
- Up to two years in prison (minimum of 120 days)
- License suspension of 45 days with a three year IID Requirement
- 100 hours of community service
- Alcohol education and treatment
- Mandatory installation of ignition interlock
Third or Subsequent Offense DUI
A third-offense DUI in Connecticut is a Class C felony if it occurs within 10 years of two previous DUI convictions or if you have previously been convicted of a felony DUI offense. Penalties include:
- A fine of $2,000 to $8,000
- Up to three years in prison (minimum of one year)
- Permanent revocation of your driver’s license (with the possibility of applying for reinstatement after a minimum of two years)
- 100 hours of community service
- Alcohol education and treatment
- Mandatory installation of ignition interlock
DUI Causing Injury or Death
If a person causes serious injury or death while driving under the influence, they may face even more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences, higher fines, and longer license suspensions. You should always call a Meridien DUI defense attorney for representation when facing advanced charges.
FAQS
How Long Does a DUI Last on Your Record in CT?
A DUI will usually remain on your driving record for 10 years in Connecticut and can negatively impact your insurance rates for three to five years following the incident. As far as your criminal record is concerned, you can expect a DUI to remain indefinitely. Unlike some other states, Connecticut has no automatic process for expunging or sealing DUI convictions.
It is important to note that even if a DUI conviction is not eligible for removal from the public record, it may not be considered in certain situations. For example, after 10 years, a DUI conviction in Connecticut may only be considered for employment background checks if the job involves driving or certain positions require a clean driving record.
Do I Have to Submit to a Breathalyzer Test in CT?
Connecticut has an “implied consent” law that requires drivers to consent to chemical testing if they are arrested for DUI. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, your license will be automatically suspended for 45 days (or longer, depending on prior offenses), and evidence of your refusal may be used against you in court.
It’s worth noting that if you are arrested for DUI and refuse to take a breathalyzer test, a police officer may seek a warrant to obtain a blood sample. This blood test may still be used as evidence in court, and if you refuse to comply with a warrant, you may face additional legal consequences. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a qualified DUI attorney if you have questions or concerns about chemical testing in DUI cases.
When Should You Call a Meridien DUI Lawyer?
You should call a DUI lawyer as soon as you’ve been informed that you’re under investigation or arrest. The sooner you retain counsel, the sooner you can present a strong defense to charges that can potentially harm your future.
A Meriden criminal lawyer can help you fight a DUI charge in several ways, including:
- Analyzing the Evidence: A DUI lawyer can thoroughly review the evidence against you, including police reports, breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and any video or audio recordings. They can look for errors, inconsistencies, and other weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop: They can review the circumstances of your traffic stop to determine if the police had probable cause to pull you over. If not, they may be able to argue that the evidence obtained after the stop should be suppressed.
- Representing You in Court: If your case goes to trial, a Meriden DUI defense attorney can represent you in court and present a strong defense on your behalf. At all times, they will aim to help you avoid severe penalties such as jail time or a permanent criminal record.
Questions? Get a Free Consultation From a Meridien DUI Lawyer
If you have been charged with DUI, it is crucial that you consult a Meridien DUI lawyer before making any statements to the police or prosecutors. Impaired driving charges can have a wide range of negative effects on your life, so act on your right to remain silent and consult a lawyer.
Our Meridien DUI lawyers at The Sills Law Firm have the resources and credentials to help you fight the charges. Founding attorney Jonathan Sills is widely recognized as one of the state’s leading DUI attorneys, and everyone on our team is fully qualified to challenge the most complex charges. If you’ve been arrested, get started on your defense by calling (866) 970-9818 or contacting us online.
