June 27, 2008
Connecticut DUI Laws and Punishments
By admin
Connecticut has DUI laws similar to many other states, with a blood alcohol content limit of 0.08% for adults over the age of 21. DUI offenses fall into two categories in Connecticut; offenses in which the driver was under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two, and offenses in which the driver’s body contained a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
After an arrest for a DUI offense you have a period of seven days from the date of the arrest to arrange for a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Failure to schedule a hearing with result in an automatic loss of your driving privileges. All people arrested for DUI offenses are required to submit to chemical testing to determine their BAC. Failure to submit to testing will result in a six month minimum suspension of your drivers license.
If you fail your chemical test or refused to submit to testing your license suspension will go into effect one minute after midnight on the 31st day after your arrest. The Department of Motor Vehicles will send you a notice of suspension via mail. It’s from the date of this letter that you have seven days to arrange for a hearing to retain your license.
For a first DUI offense in Connecticut you will be facing a one year revocation of your license to drive, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, 48 hours in jail (minimum) with a maximum of six months. The six months can be suspended with 100 hours of community services. Refusal of a chemical test will result in a mandatory 6 month license suspension.
A second DUI offense within a ten year period carries a jail term of up to two years, with a 120 day mandatory minimum. You also will be required to complete 100 hours of community services and pay a fine ranging from $1,000 up to a maximum of $4,000. Your license will be suspended for a period of three years. Refusal of a chemical test will result in a mandatory one year license suspension.
On a third DUI conviction within a ten year period you will be facing a one year minimum mandatory jail sentence with a maximum sentence of three years. You will also have to complete 100 hours of community services and pay a fine; minimum of $2,000, maximum of $8,000. Your license will be permanently revoked on a third DUI conviction. Refusal of a chemical test will result in a mandatory three year license suspension.
Topics: State Laws |