January 7th, 2026
Posted By
Stephen Lebedevitch
Policeman performing sobriety test on driver

For individuals facing DUI charges in Connecticut, the consequences of a conviction can be severe and could shape your future in profound ways. For drivers under age 21, the stakes are even higher. A criminal conviction for Underage DUI could derail a young person’s future, potentially impacting educational and extracurricular opportunities, and resulting in a driver’s license suspension and possible jail time.

In Connecticut, the threshold for being charged with DUI is much lower for minors. Drivers under 21 who are stopped on suspicion of drunk driving can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is just .02%. This is significantly lower than the .08% threshold that applies to drivers over age 21. Additionally, the underage driver could face separate criminal charges for Minor in Possession of Alcohol.

At The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, we understand what is at stake in Underage DUI cases. Stephen Lebedevitch provides aggressive legal defense against Connecticut DUI charges and will help you achieve a successful resolution to your child’s Underage DUI case.

Understanding the Legal Limit for Underage Drivers

In Connecticut, drivers over age 21 can be charged with DUI if their BAC is .08% or higher. However, drivers under age 21 can be charged with DUI if their BAC is .02% or higher.

Penalties for Underage DUI in Connecticut

The penalties for Underage DUI are the same as those that are imposed on drivers over age 21.

  • First Offense DUI is punishable by up to six months of incarceration with a 48 hour (2 day) mandatory minimum period of incarceration, a $500-$1000 fine, and a period of probation. OR
    – Up to six months of incarceration with 100 hours of community service in lieu of the mandatory jail time, a $500-$1000 fine, and a period of probation.
  • Second Offense DUI carries a sentence of up to two years of incarceration with a mandatory minimum period of 120 consecutive days of incarceration, a $1000-$4000 fine, and a period of probation with 100 hours of community service.
  • Third and Subsequent DUI Offenses carry a punishment of up to three years of incarceration with a mandatory minimum period of incarceration of one year, a $2000-$8000 fine, and probation with 100 hours of community service.

In Underage DUI cases, the length of the driver’s license suspension can increase significantly based on the driver’s BAC.

  • Underage drivers with a BAC of .02% to .08% face a six-month driver’s license suspension.
  • Drivers who are under age 21 and whose BAC is greater than .08% face a driver’s license suspension of up to one full year.

Importantly, a minor who was convicted of Underage DUI can request a special operator’s permit to drive to and from work or school.

Special Procedures for Teen Drivers Charged with Underage DUI

Connecticut uses a special procedure for teen drivers suspected of DUI. When a 16- or 17-year-old is arrested on suspicion of DUI, the police will tow the vehicle and seize the minor’s driver’s license for 48 hours. During this time, the teen’s driving privileges are automatically suspended. The teen driver’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must appear at the police station to retrieve the teen driver’s license. The teen driver and/or their family are responsible for paying all towing and storage expenses.

Once the teen driver’s license is returned, the Connecticut DMV will impose an automatic 6-month driver’s license suspension. After receiving the DMV notice of license suspension, there is a short window to file an appeal to contest this administrative license suspension.

Underage DUI for Marijuana

Even though Connecticut has legalized marijuana for recreational use, these laws only apply to individuals age 21 and over. Drivers of any age can be charged with DUI if they are operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.

How a Connecticut Underage DUI Defense Attorney Can Help

A conviction for Underage DUI can have significant implications on a young person’s future, impacting educational and extracurricular activities, their personal reputation, and even their freedom.

Many individuals charged with Underage DUI often plead guilty and accept the punishment the court hands down. But there are important steps you can take to protect your child from the harshest consequences of a conviction for Underage DUI.

The Lebedevitch Law Firm represents drivers of all ages who were charged with DUI. We have successfully represented individuals who have been arrested when openly admitting that they have consumed alcohol, have an open container in their vehicle, or have been involved in serious motor vehicle accidents.

The Lebedevitch Law Firm proudly serves individuals charged with DUI and other crimes in Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Darien, Rowayton, Fairfield, Trumbull, Westport, Wilton, Weston, Danbury, New Haven, Bethany, Woodbridge, Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, and throughout the State of Connecticut.

Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC Today

If your child was charged with Underage DUI, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.