Second Offense DUI in Connecticut

The official terms used under Connecticut law are Operating Under the Influence (OUI), Driving While Intoxicated, and DUI (Driving Under the Influence). A person is charged with a second DUI offense if they are arrested within ten years of a previous DUI conviction for operating a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §14- 227a and §14-227b govern this crime. The penalties for a second DUI in Connecticut are much harsher and include mandatory jail time, a longer license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. The harsh penalties for repeat DUI offenses and Connecticut's dedication to public safety are reflected in these harsher penalties.

Is a 2nd DUI a Felony in Connecticut?

According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a (g)(2), a second DUI violation within ten years is a felony in Connecticut. A second conviction carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 120 days (up to two years), fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, a 45-day license suspension, and a three-year ignition interlock requirement, in contrast to a first DUI conviction, which is a misdemeanor offense. Injuries or property damage are irrelevant when it comes to this criminal classification. The penalties are more severe, nevertheless, if a DUI causes death or severe injury. High blood alcohol content (0.16% or above) or the presence of a minor may also result in harsher punishments. One can avoid these severe repercussions by remaining informed.

What is the Lookback Period for a Second DUI in Connecticut?

Connecticut has a 10-year lookback period for DUI offenses, meaning that a second DUI offense committed within that time is considered a subsequent offense and carries harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time, higher fines, and a longer license suspension. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a (g)(2) ensures that prior convictions are considered when determining sentencing, highlighting the state's efforts to discourage repeat offenses.

What are Aggravating Factors in a Second DUI?

According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a, aggravating factors such as the following can result in harsher license sanctions, longer jail time, and greater fines for a second DUI arrest in Connecticut:

• Having a BAC of at least 0.16%
• Driving while carrying a passenger who is a minor
• Causing an accident that results in property damage or injuries
• A chemical test refusal (see § 14-227b)
• Operating a vehicle with a suspended license
• Driving carelessly or at excessive speeds

These elements indicate a higher risk to public safety and frequently result in more severe penalties from the court and DMV.

What Happens If You Get a 2nd DUI in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a second DUI carries the following possible penalties (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a):

• A misdemeanor charge
• 120 days to two years in jail
• $1,000–$4,000 fine
• 45-day license suspension
• Three-year ignition interlock device
• Treatment for substance abuse is required.
• Community service and probation
• Increased insurance costs and a permanent criminal record

How Long Does a Second DUI Stay On Your Record in Connecticut?

A second DUI conviction in Connecticut stays on a person's criminal record indefinitely unless it is sealed or erased. However, Connecticut General Statutes stipulates a 10-year "lookback period" for prior DUI convictions for the sake of driving record purposes. This law regulates how previous DUIs within ten years increase the severity of subsequent offenses. According to legal practice, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) retains DUI convictions on driving records for ten years, even though the statute does not specify the duration of their retention on a record. But without legal action, criminal records remain for life.

How Much Does a Second DUI Cost in Connecticut?

According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a, a second DUI violation in Connecticut entails fines of $1,000 to $4,000. If there are aggravating circumstances, such as a high blood alcohol content, a minor passenger, or a rejection of a chemical test, these sanctions could go up. Other expenses consist of:

• $200 to $500 for court costs
• Fees for probation supervision
• Installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device costs about $100 per month.
• The cost of a substance abuse treatment program
• Higher insurance costs

Chances of Going to Jail for a Second DUI/DWI/OUI In Connecticut

According to Connecticut General Statute Section 14- 227a (g), a second DUI carries a required minimum jail sentence of 120 consecutive days and a maximum of 2 years. An enhanced sentence can result from aggravating circumstances such as high blood alcohol content, causing harm or property damage, or having a minor in the car. In keeping with the state's challenging position on drunk driving, prior convictions and repeated infractions further raise the possibility and duration of jail.

Driver's License Suspension for a Second DUI/DWI/OUI In Connecticut

Following Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a (i), a person convicted of a second DUI in Connecticut faces a 45-day license suspension and three years of ignition interlock device (IID) use. Driving is limited to work, school, doctor's visits, and drug rehab throughout the first year of IID use. Suppose an offender shows a compelling need and satisfies DMV requirements, such as not refusing a chemical test and finishing mandatory alcohol education courses. In that case, they may be eligible for a Special Operator's Permit, sometimes known as a hardship license. Aggravating circumstances could limit eligibility or lengthen suspension periods.

Ignition Interlock Device Requirement

An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) must be installed for three years after a 45-day license suspension for a second DUI conviction, per Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a(i) and 14-227k. Driving is restricted during the first year to necessary circumstances (e.g., medical, work, school, alcohol or drug treatment program, an ignition interlock device service center, or a probation officer appointment). The interlock scheme is administered by DMV, which requires the offenders to pay a $100 charge before the device is installed. Installing and maintaining the devices is another expense that offenders must cover. Until a breathalyzer confirms sobriety, the IID stops the car from being operated.

DUI School and Substance Abuse Treatment

Those convicted of a second DUI in Connecticut must go through a substance abuse evaluation, per Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a(j) and 54-56r. A treatment program and/or DUI education sessions, such as the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP), may be required by the court based on the results. Typically, these programs include group sessions, therapy, and instruction on the risks associated with driving while intoxicated. A minimum of fifteen sessions of substance use treatment or twelve sessions of alcohol education must be included in the program. If the court orders it, a victim impact component may also be included. For continued legal compliance and license reinstatement, completion is frequently necessary.

Probation Conditions

Conn. Gen. Stat. Sections 53a-29 to 53a-33 allow the court to enforce probation after a second DUI judgment in Connecticut, with terms centered on safety for everyone and recovery. Standard circumstances usually consist of:

• Frequent visits to a probation officer.
• Testing at random to confirm abstinence from alcohol and other drugs.
• Limitations on travel, such as obtaining a court's consent before leaving the state.
• Adherence to court-mandated initiatives, including victim impact panels, DUI education, and drug addiction treatment.
• Interlock for Ignition use of devices and, where appropriate, curfews.
• Revocation and jail may follow probation violations.

Community Service Requirements

For a second DUI offense, Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a (g) and 14- 227e) requires 100 hours of community service. This requirement, intended to promote accountability and rehabilitation, may be imposed in addition to a jail term. Activities may involve assisting public agencies, volunteering at nonprofit organizations, or participating in community cleanups. The court or probation agency selects the specific task based on the offender's suitability and accessibility.

Impact on Auto Insurance

In Connecticut, a second DUI typically results in a 69% increase in vehicle insurance premiums (an average of $2,870 per year). Because insurers view offenders as high-risk drivers, the policy may be canceled or not renewed. To have their licenses reinstated, offenders could have to submit an SR-22 (Form J23) certificate—a document that serves as proof of financial responsibility—to the DMV. Because of the severe financial repercussions of repeated DUI convictions, this document warns insurers, which frequently results in long-term rate rises and fewer possibilities for coverage.

Which Courts Handle DUI Cases in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the Superior Court, the state's trial court with broad jurisdiction, decides DUI (Driving Under the Influence) cases. All criminal cases are processed through the Superior Court system, which encompasses both felonies and misdemeanors. Courts in the Superior Court's Geographical Area (GA) divisions usually hear cases involving DUI crimes.

DUI charges committed for the first time are typically handled by the Geographical Area (GA) courts as misdemeanors. According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a (g), second or subsequent DUI charges that take place within ten years of a previous conviction are considered felonies and are likewise handled by the Georgia courts.

The following five crucial GA courts deal with DUI cases:

Geographical Area No. 1 at Stamford
123 Hoyt Street,
Stamford,
CT 06905
Phone: (203) 965-5308
Website: Stamford Superior Court

Geographical Area No. 2 at Bridgeport
172 Golden Hill Street,
Bridgeport,
CT 06604
Phone: (203) 579-6527
Website: Bridgeport Superior Court

Geographical Area No. 4 at Waterbury
400 Grand Street,
Waterbury,
CT 06702
Phone: (203) 591-3300
Website: Waterbury Superior Court

Geographical Area No. 10 at New London
70 Huntington Street,
New London,
CT 06320
Phone: (860) 443-8343
Website: New London Superior Court

Geographical Area No. 23 at New Haven
235 Church Street,
New Haven,
CT 06510
Phone: (203) 789-7450
Website: New Haven Superior Court

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) manages administrative measures, including license suspensions and hearings, associated with DUI convictions in addition to judicial processes. The DMV may enforce required license suspensions and ignition interlock device requirements, among other sanctions, regardless of the court's decision. Here are the contact details for the department:

60 State Street,
Wethersfield,
CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700

To learn more about administrative hearings and license suspensions associated with DUI, go to the DMV's Driving Under the Influence (DUI) page.

Can You Get a DUI on a Horse in Connecticut?

No, DUI laws (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14- 227a) only apply to people who drive "motor vehicles", which are defined as automobiles with mechanical propulsion. Consequently, the legal definition of a DUI does not include riding a horse while intoxicated. However, if the rider represents a safety risk, authorities may still arrest them with additional offenses, including disorderly conduct or public intoxication. Laws against animal cruelty may also be applicable if the rider's disability causes the horse to be mistreated or endangered.