What To Expect With a First Offense DUI in Connecticut

Being charged with a DUI can be a frightening, overwhelming, and confusing experience, particularly if this is your first experience being charged with a crime. A DUI conviction carries severe consequences, even for a first offense. Penalties may include substantial fines, driver’s license suspension, and even possible jail time. A first offense DUI can also have a long-term impact on your career and your reputation. But you don’t have to handle it alone. With the proper defense, you can protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Connecticut DUI defense attorney Stephen Lebedevitch understands the stress of a first offense DUI, and he and his team are here to fight for the best outcome in your case.

Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Connecticut

In Connecticut, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Someone arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) faces two separate types of consequences: criminal penalties and administrative penalties. If you were charged with a first offense DUI in Connecticut, you must understand and successfully navigate both.

An individual can be charged with DUI if they have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% or higher. Commercial drivers can be charged with DUI if their BAC is .04% or higher, while minors can be charged with DUI if they have a BAC of .02% or higher. A driver can also be charged with DUI if they are under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, that impair their ability to drive.

Criminal Penalties

Someone charged with a first offense DUI in Connecticut faces the following criminal penalties:

• A 45-day driver’s license suspension and mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year
• A fine of $500 to $1,000
• A mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours, up to a maximum of 6 months in jail OR a suspended jail sentence of 6 months plus 100 hours of community service

These penalties are imposed by the court and are separate from any administrative penalties imposed by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Administrative Penalties

Administrative penalties are imposed by the Connecticut DMV and are separate from the criminal process. These penalties take effect immediately after arrest and apply even if you are ultimately found Not Guilty of DUI. Administrative penalties for a first offense DUI in Connecticut include:

• An administrative driver’s license suspension of 45 days, which typically begins 30 days after arrest, unless you request a hearing to contest the suspension.
• Mandatory installation of an IID before restoration of your driver’s license. For drivers under age 21 at the time of the offense, the IID must be installed for 1 year. Drivers over age 21 charged with a first offense DUI must have the device installed for six months.
• If you refused the chemical alcohol test, your driver’s license will be suspended for 45 days.

Can I Drive to and From Work or School While My License Is Suspended?

Connecticut imposes a mandatory 45-day driver’s license suspension for people charged with a first offense DUI. However, you can apply for a special operator’s permit that will allow you to drive to and from work or school or for ongoing medical treatment within the hours specified on the permit.

The Connecticut Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP)

Many people charged with a first offense DUI are eligible for the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP), which allows first time offenders to have their case dismissed if they complete the requirements issued to them by the court. To be eligible:

1. You must not have been previously convicted of a DUI or a similar offense in Connecticut or any other state.
2. You cannot have used the IDIP or other diversionary programs in the past ten years. You are not eligible to participate in the program if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or CDL permit. This restriction applies even if you hold a CDL and were charged with DUI while driving your personal vehicle.
3. If your DUI offense resulted in an accident that resulted in “serious physical injury” to another person, you must show “good cause” for why you should be allowed to participate in the program.

If you are eligible, Attorney Lebedevitch can help you complete the application. During your court appearance, you will be asked to waive your speedy trial rights and the statute of limitations. Once the judge approves your application, you will be required to pay an application fee and schedule an evaluation with a contractor through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to determine the level of treatment you require. If the court grants your application, your case will be continued for one year, during which time you must complete the program and must not be charged with any other alcohol-related offenses. Upon successful completion of the impaired driver intervention program, your case will be dismissed, the records of your case will be destroyed, and you will be deemed to have never been arrested.

How The Lebedevitch Law Firm Can Help

A first time DUI is a serious criminal charge, and a conviction carries substantial penalties. In addition to fines and possible jail time, you face having a permanent criminal record, and you can expect your car insurance premiums to skyrocket. In addition, if you are charged with a second DUI, the penalties you face will be even more severe.

Attorney Lebedevitch has extensive experience defending individuals charged with DUI in and around Fairfield and throughout Connecticut. He is highly regarded by judges and other criminal defense lawyers for the successful results he regularly achieves.

Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm Today

The Lebedevitch Law Firm is based in Fairfield, Connecticut, and proudly represents people 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.

Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.