Penalties for Drunk Driving in Connecticut

drunk driving penalties ct

People convicted of operating under the influence (OUI) in Connecticut face several stiff penalties, including:

  • Incarceration
  • Community service
  • Fines
  • Court costs
  • License suspension
  • Increased automobile insurance premiums

The penalties increase dramatically for those who have previous convictions for OUI in Connecticut or any other state.

The Penalties Of Drunk Driving

In addition to the penalties imposed by the court system, those charged with a Connecticut OUI also face administrative suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles Administrative Per Se Unit. You will be afforded a hearing, for which you may retain an attorney.

If, during your hearing, you are found to have operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or you are found to have refused to submit to blood alcohol testing, you face the following administrative suspension:

Driver’s 16 And 17 Years Old

Blood Alcohol Level First Offense Second Offense Third Offense
Refusal to submit to a blood, breath or urine test 18 months 3 years 6 years
Test results of .02 or higher; up to, but not including, .16 1 year 2 years 4 years
Test results of .16 or higher 1 year 30 months 5 years

 

Drivers Between The Ages Of 18 To 20

Blood Alcohol Level First Offense Second Offense Third Offense
Refusal to submit to a blood, breath or urine test 1 year 2 years 6 years
Test results of .02 or higher; up to, but not including, .16 6 months 18 months 4 years
Test results of .16 or higher 240 days 20 months 5 years

 

Drivers 21 Years Old And Older

Blood Alcohol Level First Offense Second Offense Third Offense
Refusal to submit to a blood, breath or urine test 6 months 1 year 3 years
Test results of .08 or higher; up to, but not including, .16 90 days 9 months 2 years
Test results of .16 or higher 120 days 10 months 2 1/2 years

If you are arrested for operating a motor vehicle while your license is suspended in connection with a previous OUI charge, you face mandatory incarceration if convicted.

Don’t Face The Consequences Without Getting Counsel

Call the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Kocian Law Group for advice. Contact us by phone at 860-730-6100 or by email to set up a free consultation. We offer four convenient Connecticut office locations, including Hartford, Waterbury, Manchester and New Britain.