Driving under the influence or (DUI) charges in Connecticut are some of the most serious traffic-related offenses, carrying penalties that can impact a person’s life for years to come. In addition to posting bail, drivers with a DUI conviction may also receive jail sentences, steep fines, and the loss of their driving privileges. Penalties for a DUI conviction are harsh in Connecticut.

Below is an overview of the possible DUI penalties for people convicted of “operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” also known as driving under the influence or OUI in Connecticut. DUI convictions depend on the severity of the offense and whether this is your 1st offense or not.

Connecticut DUI Penalties 

First DUI Offense

Operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs in Connecticut is a criminal offense. Motorists convicted of a first offense may face jail sentences of up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,000. The judge may suspend the jail sentence for a first violation, but you’ll still be placed on probation and expected to complete 100 hours of community service. A conviction will also result in your driving privileges for 45 days.

Some defendants in Connecticut may be able to apply for the Pretrial Alcohol Education Program, which allows you to avoid a trial if you complete substance abuse counseling. Getting bondsmen services and posting bail immediately after your arrest gives you the chance to explore this option with an attorney to perhaps reduce DUI penalties.

Second DUI Offense

DUI penalties increase substantially if you’ve already been convicted of a similar offense in the past 10 years. Along with fines of up to $4,000, you may face a prison term of up to two years. Those convicted of a second violation will also lose their driving privileges for 45 days, but will have to use an ignition interlock device for three years.

Subsequent Offenses (Connecticut)

If you’re convicted of having three or more DUI convictions in a 10-year period, you may be sentenced to a maximum prison term of three years and be ordered to pay up to $8,000 in fines. After a third conviction, the state may also permanently revoke your driver’s license. Connecticut’s DUI penalties are pretty steep for repeat offenders.

Aggravating Factors

While these are baseline penalties for a basic DUI conviction, certain aggravating factors can carry much more serious consequences. For instance, if you had minors under the age of 16 in the car, caused an accident in which someone was injured, or were driving erratically, you may be charged with a felony. Aggravated DUI convictions carry much higher fines, longer prison sentences, and more community service requirements.

DUI Bail Amounts in Connecticut

The bail amounts for DUI are set by the accused’s risk of flight, risk to themselves or others, and the nature of the alleged offense. Consequently, the bail could be set higher the more times an individual is arrested for the same or similar charges. Law enforcement may define the scenario as very risky to let you go on a promise to appear. They may consider that you probably are a greater risk to yourself and others if you have been arrested and or convicted of operating a motor vehicle multiple times. These factors would probably increase the bail amount, despite that this is your 1st or 2nd DUI offense.

Bail amounts for DUI charges can range from $500 surety bond to $10,000 or higher.

Never consider driving while buzzed. DUI penalties in CT are harsh. If you’ve been charged with operating under the influence also knows as DUI anywhere in Connecticut, our licensed and professional agents at 3-D Bail Bonds will help you get out of jail as quickly as possible. We’ve been helping defendants throughout the state post bail for over 25 years and pride ourselves on giving everyone the respectful treatment you deserve.

Visit us online to find your nearest location today. Dial (860) 247-2245 to contact our Hartford bail agents or visit our location at 57 Fishfry St. across the Hartford Correctional Center. To speak with New Britain bail agents, call (860) 229-2525. Our New Britain location is conveniently located across the police department. Dial (203) 562-6666 for the New Haven location serving Hamden, West Haven, and Milford. Our CT bail bonds service is available throughout the entire state 24 hours, seven days a week, including holidays.