Be Aware Of The Penalties For DUI
A drunk driving conviction can result in jail time, the loss of your driver’s license and expensive fines. In addition, a DUI is handled differently in Connecticut than in other states. First, there is a separate court hearing to determine guilt and the penalties to be imposed. Next, there is an administrative proceeding held by the DMV to determine what happens to your license. In both cases, it’s important to understand your options and how to present your case in order to avoid or reduce the potential penalties. The Law Offices of Joseph J. Colarusso advises and represents people in both their court and DMV hearing, fully exploring every possible alternative to license suspension and jail time.
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, don’t wait until your license has been suspended or revoked — contact DUI lawyer Joseph J. Colarusso today to discuss how our office can help you.
What Are The Consequences Of A DUI In Connecticut?
In general, the following kinds of penalties attach to a drunk driving conviction in the state of Connecticut:
- First DUI: A fine between $500 and $1,000; a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours; at the discretion of the judge, a possible jail sentence of up to six months or 100 hours of community service; and license suspension of up to one year.
- Second DUI: A fine between $1,000 and $4,000; a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 120 days in jail; at the discretion of the judge, a possible jail sentence of up to two years; 100 hours of community service; and a three-year license suspension. If under the age of 21, your license will be suspended until you reach the age of 21 or for three years — whichever takes longer.
- Third DUI: A fine between $2,000 and $8,000; a mandatory minimum of one year in jail; at the discretion of the judge, a possible jail sentence of up to three years; 100 hours of mandatory community service; and the permanent revocation of your driver’s license.
Please note, if you refused to submit to chemical testing at the time of your arrest or, if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was significantly higher than .08 or .16, your license will be suspended for a longer period of time.
Other Consequences Of A DUI Conviction
While there are significant legal consequences for a DUI, there are also a number of other ways that a DUI can impact a person’s everyday life. First, most employers have a zero tolerance policy toward criminal convictions. Second, if you are required to spend a week or more in jail, it may be difficult to convince your employer to let you use vacation or sick time to serve your sentence. Third, insurance companies retrieve public information regarding DUI convictions. A conviction could result in a substantial increase in your insurance premiums.
In addition, while uncommon at the moment, creditors can choose to adjust your credit score if they learn of a DUI or criminal conviction. In today’s economy when more and more companies are interested in identifying “risky behavior,” a DUI conviction could seriously jeopardize your ability to get a home loan, refinance a mortgage or qualify for a credit card if a credit company chooses to reduce your credit score.
Contact DWI/DUI Defense Attorney Joseph J. Colarusso Today
After you’ve received a notice from the DMV regarding your drunk driving charge, you have only seven days to request a hearing. If you fail to respond in this time, your license will be automatically suspended. To schedule an appointment and learn how our office can help you, contact DUI defense attorney Joseph J. Colarusso today.