Driving in America is a privilege that can be legally taken away under certain circumstances. In Connecticut, the implied consent law gives the state the authority to conduct a blood alcohol test on any driver at a moment's notice.
If a BAC test reveals you're driving under the influence or have elevated blood alcohol levels, you risk getting criminal and administrative punishments. But these are just the tip of the iceberg of what to expect after a Connecticut DUI offense. This post explains the details of the entire DUI process in Nutmeg state.
The Difference Between DUI and DWI
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are pretty much the same thing with similar consequences, depending on the type of vehicle, driver's age, and blood alcohol content level.
What Are Field and BAC Tests?
Every person consents to a BAC test once they become legally licensed drivers in Connecticut. These are legally sanctioned tests to determine whether an individual is above the limit that gives probable cause for a DUI or DWI arrest. They include:

- Walk and turn test
- Stand on one leg test
- Chemical BAC test (blood or urine sample)
- Breathalyzer analysis
Types of DUI Charges in Connecticut
DUI charges in Connecticut vary depending on the driver's age and vehicle type and use. These are some of the common offenses punishable by law:
- DUI: Drivers aged 21 or more have an elevated BAC if their final BAC test is above .08%
- Commercial DUI: Commercial drivers are legally considered above the limit if their BAC test reads .04%.
- Underage DUI: If you're below 21 years, your blood alcohol level is beyond the recommended limit for underage children when it's more than .02%
- Marijuana DUI: No test can confirm a Marijuana DUI, but police can use other indicators such as behavioral tests or appearance to determine your level of impairment while driving.
Penalties for DUI Offenses in Connecticut
Connecticut has different penalties for DUI charges, from fines to license suspension and even jail time. They are categorized according to the following:
First-Time Offenders
If it's your first time DUI in Connecticut, expect the following criminal and administrative punishments:
- Fines: A first-time DUI conviction can cost you anything from $500 to $1000 in fines, as an adult or underage.
- License suspension: Expect a 45-day license suspension, after which you must drive interlocked vehicles for a year, especially if it was manslaughter.
- Jail time: You face up to six months in prison for a first-time DUI offense. Alternatively, you may be put on probation or serve 100 hours of community service.
Second-Time Offenders
If you're convicted for a second DUI offense in Connecticut, you stand to face the following penalties:
- Fines: Second-time offenders pay a penalty of $4000, depending on the extent of their crime
- License suspension: Your license is suspended for no less than 45 days for a second DUI offense. You will also have to drive an interlocked vehicle for at least three years, especially if the crime causes death or severe injury.
- Jail time: You may serve a two-year jail sentence as a second-time offender, especially if the crime resulted in a person's death or severe injury. If not, you may do 100 hours of community service and attend a drug and alcohol abuse treatment program.
Third-Time Offenders
If you commit a third DUI offense within ten years after your second conviction, you face the following consequences:
- Fine: Expect to pay no less than $8000 in fine for a third DUI offense in Connecticut or probation that includes 100 hours of service to the community.
- License suspension: DMV permanently suspends your license as a third-time offender, so you can only drive interlocked vehicles. However, you can appeal the decision after ten years of compliance and good road behavior.
- Jail time: A third-time offense is punishable by a maximum of three years in prison if it was a 2nd-degree manslaughter.
Contact Pat Brown for Trusted DUI Legal Representation
These are some of the DUI charges you can expect to face and their penalties in Connecticut. A lawyer is crucial to mounting a proper defense against your DUI charge, regardless of your age or vehicle type you operate. At the Law Offices of Pat Brown, we have lawyers who have handled thousands of DUI cases and won. Contact us today for the best legal representation in Connecticut.
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