Alexander Pope said, “To err is human, to forgive divine.” However, some errors also happen to be crimes, and Connecticut is by no means forgiving. Already, you have faced a number of penalties that have handicapped your ability to work, go to school or receive adequate health care. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please read on. Then, contact one of our experienced Hartford County DUI attorneys to learn if you will lose your car after a DUI in Connecticut.
Can your car be taken away after a DUI in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, if you are found guilty of a DUI, your license will be suspended. This means that you will not be able to drive your car. However, the state will not confiscate your vehicle.
What are the other consequences of a DUI in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, if you are 21 years of age or over, the authorities will consider you legally intoxicated if you have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of . 08 or higher. For those under the age of 21, the state considers you legally intoxicated at a . 02 BAC or higher. The penalties are as follows:
First offense:
- Fines: $500 to $1,000
- Imprisonment: up to 6 months (possibly suspended in lieu of probation with 100 hours of community service)
- Drivers License Suspension: 45 days
- 1-year ignition interlock restriction upon license reinstatement
- Must complete a DMV approved substance abuse treatment program before restoration of full drivers license
- Possible participation in a victim impact panel program
Second offense:
- Fines: $1,000 to $4,000
- Imprisonment: up to 2 years (120 days minimum mandatory)
- Drivers License Suspension: 45 days
- 3-year ignition interlock restriction upon license reinstatement (2 years if the driver is under 21)
- Probation with 100 hours of mandatory community service
- Must complete a DMV approved substance abuse treatment program before restoration of full drivers license
- Possible participation in a victim impact panel program
Third or subsequent offense:
- Fines: $2,000 to $8,000
- Imprisonment: up to 3 years (1 year minimum mandatory)
- Drivers License Revocation: permanent drivers license revocation (may request a hearing after 2 years in order to request reinstatement of driving privileges)
- If the driver’s license is reinstated, a permanent ignition interlock restriction will apply (DMV commissioner may lift IID requirement after 15 years)
- Probation with 100 hours of mandatory community service
- Must complete a DMV approved substance abuse treatment program before restoration of full drivers license
- Possible participation in a victim impact panel program
How can a Hartford County criminal defense attorney help you?
Reaching out to one of our skilled Hartford County criminal defense attorneys to discuss your next steps can make all the difference in the severity of the penalties you will incur. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt or guilty plea. We will fight to keep it that way. Give us a call today.
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.
