According to a 2018 survey, 2.1 percent of Connecticut adults have admitted to operating a motor vehicle after drinking too much alcohol. What does too much mean? For the driver, there can be many conditions such as impaired vision or judgment. Connecticut laws, however, are very specific about what too much means. When pulled over for a suspected DUI, it is required by Connecticut’s Implied Consent Law to submit to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test. If it is determined that there is more than 0.08% of alcohol in your bloodstream, you are considered legally intoxicated and placed under arrest. Commercial drivers come in lower at 0.04% and If you are under the legal drinking age of 21, your BAC limit is reduced to 0.02%.
Getting Arrested for DUI for the First Time
If arrested for DUI for the first time, you are charged with a misdemeanor offense provided your impaired driving did not cause physical harm to another person. The penalties for a first offense in Connecticut include:
- License suspension for 45 days (6 months for BAC test refusal)
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 1 year
- Court-determined time in jail, probation and community service
- Court-determined fine between $500 and $1000
With proper legal representation, a first time offender may experience a lesser combination of these penalties.
When Does a DUI Become a Felony?
There are two common scenarios when a DUI becomes a felony in Connecticut.
Second Conviction Within 10 Years
If convicted of a second DUI violation within 10 years of a previous DUI conviction, the crime goes from a misdemeanor to a felony. The penalties for this conviction expand upon first-time penalties:
- License suspension for 45 days (1 year for BAC test refusal, 3 years and permanently revoked for a 3rd conviction)
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 3 years with restricted destinations (work, school, substance abuse program, IID service, probation appointment)
- Court-determined time in jail, probation and community service
- Court-determined fine between $1000 and $4000
Accident Resulting in Physical Injury or Death
If a drunk driving accident causes the physical injury or death of another person, the DUI driver will be convicted of a felony, even if it is the first DUI offense.
Legal Help for Connecticut DUI Convictions
DUI penalties are designed to prevent injury and death on our roads with severe consequences for those who make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence. At the Law Offices of Pat Brown, we are committed to minimizing the negative consequences of your DUI case with the most favorable outcome possible. With over 250 jury trials since 2008, our team has the experience to challenge your charges and defend your rights.
If you are located in Connecticut and need legal representation for your DUI case, contact us for your free consultation or case review. 
