Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Connecticut, as it is in every other state. In Connecticut, a DUI carries administrative and criminal punishments. If a motorist has previous DUI convictions, both sorts of sanctions become more severe.

This piece is solely concerned with the consequences of a second violation. A DUI is deemed the second violation in Connecticut if it occurs within ten years of a previous conviction

Second DUI violations can result in administrative or criminal penalties, and sometimes both.

Administrative Penalties

The DMV imposes administrative licensing and driving privilege sanctions after a DUI arrest. The administrative sanctions for a second infraction include license suspension for 45 days and 3 years IID obligation.

DMV permits IID terms and licenses suspension overlap, which is fortunate for the motorist. The DMV will not need a further suspension period for the DUI conviction if the motorist has paid for IID installation and has completed the 45 days license suspension imposed by the DMV. It's a tad unusual with the IID requirement: whereas the two penalties can coincide, the motorist must wear an IID continuously for three years after the conviction.

Criminal Penalties

A second DUI/OUI carries the following criminal penalties:

1. Jail sentences range from 120 days to 2 years: Most second-time DUI convictions lead to a two-year sentence. The offender, nevertheless, does not serve two years in jail. The court typically gives the maximum punishment of two years and then "suspends" it. This implies the offender must serve the obligatory requirement of 120 days in prison, with the remainder of the two-year term as a potential punishment if the offender breaches probation.
2. $1,000-$4,000 fine: Most instances lead to a fine of at least $1,000. Nevertheless, there are court fees in addition to the penalty.
3. 3 years IID requirement: The motorist must take their IID to a service station to be tested once a month. However, the monthly leasing charge includes this testing.
4. Probation. The sentencing judge determines the probation period for a second offender. However, a duration of 18-24 months is to be expected. The $200 probationary charge is paid automatically and is not mentioned.
   

At the Law Offices of Pat Brown, we have numerous decades of experience skillfully defending individuals charged with DUI in Connecticut. We work relentlessly on your behalf, looking into every legal option to mitigate the situation as much as feasible. Contact us immediately to set up a private and discreet consultation.