CONNECTICUT DWI LAW

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) for a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Connecticut:

• Standard BAC: .08% or above
• Zero Tolerance BAC: .02% or above
• Professional Drivers: .04% or above
• High BAC: .16% or above

Implied Consent and Chemical Test Refusal: Under Connecticut Implied Consent Law, your license will be suspended for six months if you do not allow a police officer who suspects you of driving under the influence to take a breath, urine, or blood test. Because Connecticut DWI law varies among counties and conviction of DUI can result in very serious consequences, it is advisable to consult a Connecticut DUI lawyer.

DWI Arrest - Civil Case Potential Penalties:

• License Suspension:
  • First DWI Conviction: 1 year.
  • Second DWI Conviction: 1 year.
• Monetary Fines:
  • First DWI Conviction: Between $500-1,000.
  • Second DWI Conviction: Between $1,000-$4,000.
• Community Service: After your First DUI you must complete 100 hours of community service if your jail time was suspended. Following your second DUI, you must complete a minimum of 100 hours of community service.
• Probation: Yes. As a condition of your probation you will have to complete 100 hours of community service.
• Motor Vehicle Impound
  • First Conviction: Your car will be towed and impounded for 2 days.
  • Second Conviction: Your motor vehicle will be impounded for 2 days.
• Ignition Interlock:
  • First DWI: No.
  • Second DWI: 24 months.
• Prison Time:
  • First DWI: Minimum of 48 hours, but maximum of 6 months.
  • Second DWI: Minimum of 120 days, maximum of 2 years.

DWI Arrest - Criminal Charges

Contact an attorney who specializes in criminal law if criminal charges have been filed against you as a result of your DWI. An attorney can help you with the complex process of defending yourself in your Connecticut DWI suit.

Potential Criminal Charges: Generally, if you are criminally charged with DWI, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. However, if you are a persistent DWI offender, you may be criminally charged with a felony.

Reinstating Your License After DWI Conviction: After the revocation period, you must complete a Substance Abuse Treatment Program and pay $175 to the Connecticut DMV. You must wait until the Connecticut DMV informs you that your license has been restored before beginning to drive again. You must also make sure that you have liability insurance.

Effect of DWI on Car Insurance: Your insurance rates will increase after you have been convicted of DWI. However, in order to have your license reinstated after DWI, it is necessary to have liability insurance. You must submit an SR-22 Proof of Insurance Certificate to the Connecticut DMV in order to have your license reinstated. Your insurance carrier will provide this form.

Under 21 and DWI: In Connecticut, according to Connecticut Zero Tolerance Law, your driver’s license will be suspended if you have a BAC of .02% or higher, are driving a motor vehicle, and are under age 21.

Connecticut Resources

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

Connecticut DWI Statutes