Many people have been in a situation where they need to find a safe way home after a night of drinking. If they drove their car there, they won’t be able to safely drive it home, and some people don’t want to abandon their car for the night so they decide to sleep in their car while drunk instead. However, this action can come with some serious consequences in Connecticut. To learn why, read this blog or reach out to one of our DWI Attorneys in Bloomfield & Hartford, CT today!
IS IT ILLEGAL IN CONNECTICUT TO SLEEP IN MY CAR WHEN I’M DRUNK?
Believe it or not, you can get a DUI offense if you’re caught in your car while drunk, even if you’re sleeping at the time. You don’t need to be actually driving to be charged with a DUI. This is because Connecticut law specifies a DUI as anyone driving, operating, or in “actual physical control” of a car while their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. If you are caught sleeping in your car with a high BAC, you could likely be charged with a DUI.
You have a higher chance of receiving a DUI offense if the engine is running at the time that you’re drunk in your car since this technically counts as operating the vehicle, but you can still get one even if the key isn’t even in the ignition. Prosecutors will try to prove that you drove drunk before falling asleep or that you intended to drive while intoxicated. If you were in the front seat or had your keys nearby, you are more likely to be found guilty.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR A DUI CONVICTION?
The consequences you face after a DUI charge depend on your BAC at the time, the circumstances of the incident, and your criminal record. Your penalties may be reduced if you are a first-time offender or if your attorney argues that you had no intention of driving your vehicle while drunk. In Connecticut, first-time DUI offenders could face jail time, community service, fines up to $1,000, and a one-year license suspension. Second-time offenders are normally required to use an ignition interlock device (IID) for up to two years after their license is reinstated. Also, second-time offenders are given higher fines and longer jail sentences. After a third offense, you’re considered a repeat offender and will likely face the most severe penalties possible; you could even get your license permanently revoked.
Have you recently been charged with a DUI? Are you looking for an effective criminal defense attorney to fight for you? Look no further! Contact the Law Office of Marc N. Needelman today for quality legal counseling.
