Understanding DUI in Connecticut

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, a serious criminal offense in Connecticut as it is across the United States. In Connecticut, an adult driver can be charged with a DUI if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is lower at 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher can lead to a DUI charge.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major safety concern in Connecticut. The state has strict laws in place to deter impaired driving and protect everyone on the road. If convicted of a DUI, the penalties can be severe and may include jail time, fines, license suspension, mandatory treatment programs, and other consequences that increase with multiple offenses.

Penalties for DUI in Connecticut

Connecticut imposes a range of penalties for DUI offenses, which vary depending on whether it is the driver’s first offense or a subsequent one. Here’s a breakdown of the penalties:

• First Offense: Jail time of up to six months (48 hours mandatory), fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, and a license suspension of 45 days. The offender may also be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle for a specified period.
• Second Offense: Jail time of up to two years (120 days mandatory), fines between $1,000 and $4,000, and a license suspension of 45 days with mandatory IID installation for a longer period.
• Third and Subsequent Offenses: Jail time of up to three years (one year mandatory), fines ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, and permanent license revocation with the possibility of IID installation after a certain period.

DUIs Involving Substances Other Than Alcohol

While alcohol is a common factor in DUI cases, Connecticut law also addresses impaired driving caused by drugs. Drivers can be charged with a DUI if they are under the influence of:

• Illegal drugs like cocaine or marijuana (even if marijuana use is legal in some contexts).
• Prescription drugs, especially if they impair the driver, regardless of whether the medication is being taken as prescribed.
• A combination of drugs and alcohol that affects the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

It’s important to note that even prescription medications can lead to a DUI charge if they impair your ability to drive. Most medications include warnings about operating machinery or driving while taking them. Ignoring these warnings can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges and civil liability if an accident occurs.

DUIs and Personal Injury Cases

Driving under the influence significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. When a driver’s impaired judgment, slower reaction time, and reduced coordination result in a crash, they can be held both criminally and civilly liable. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk or impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

To succeed in a personal injury case, you must prove four key elements:

1. The driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely.
2. The driver breached that duty by driving under the influence.
3. The breach caused the accident.
4. You suffered damages or injuries as a result of the accident.

In many cases, a DUI conviction can strengthen your personal injury claim. A DUI charge demonstrates that the other driver was negligent, making it easier to hold them accountable for the harm they caused. However, gathering evidence and presenting a strong case requires the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney.

How Bert McDowell Injury Law Can Help

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a drunk or impaired driver, Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to help. Our dedicated team understands the complexities of DUI laws in Connecticut and personal injury claims. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we offer compassionate, personalized legal representation to guide you through every step of your case. Don’t let a DUI-related accident derail your life—let us fight for your rights and hold the responsible party accountable.

Contact Us Today

Don’t wait to seek legal help. If you’ve been affected by a DUI-related accident, contact Bert McDowell Injury Law today for a FREE consultation. Call us at 475-231-3274, or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.