Do you have questions about the offense of driving under the influence (DUI) in the state of Connecticut? If so, you have come to the right place. Our Fairfield County criminal defense attorneys at Bayer & Black, P.C. have extensive knowledge of Connecticut's DUI laws and of the legal practice area of DUI defense. Below, we have provided answers to a few frequently asked questions concerning DUI. We can also help you answer additional questions after you reach out to our firm!
What constitutes a DUI offense?
In Connecticut, a DUI offense occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while he or she is under the influence of:
- An intoxicating liquor
- A drug, or
- Both types of substances
DUI can also be charged in cases where the driver has a blood alcohol content that is at or above the legal limit. For most drivers, the legal limit is 0.08%. However, commercial drivers have a legal limit of 0.04%, and drivers who are younger than 21 years of age have a legal limit of 0.02%.
Can I get a DUI for driving while on medication?
The answer is "Yes" if you are determined by law enforcement to be under the influence of your prescription drugs. In fact, you can even be arrested for allegedly being impaired by over-the-counter drugs, such as cough medicine that makes you drowsy. Individuals who take medications are expected to refrain from driving if the known side effects of their drugs include drowsiness or other impairment of their physical and/or mental abilities.
Are there any programs I can go through to avoid conviction?
Yes. In your case, your lawyer may be able to negotiate with prosecutors or the judge to get you into a pre-trial Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP). This may take the form of classes that last 12 consecutive weeks meeting once a week, or it may take the form of an actual treatment program. In some cases the court will allow a weekend program in lieu of the classes. Completion of the IDIP allows you to have your DUI charges dismissed. In order to qualify, you must either be facing DUI charges for the first time (no prior convictions), or you must not have gone through the program within the past 10 years if you have used a similar program previously.
What is an ignition interlock device?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath test device installed in your motor vehicle. This device requires the driver to submit a breath sample, which is used to determine the individual's blood alcohol content. If the driver has a certain amount of alcohol in his or her system, the vehicle's engine will not start. The IID records the results of the breath test, which are reviewed by law enforcement. Under Connecticut law, people who are convicted for DUI offenses must install IIDs in their vehicles for a certain period of time. The IID requirement follows a 45 day suspension. You may be eligible for a work permit during that 45 day period.
What should I do after being arrested for DUI?
First, write down all the facts you can remember. Exactly where you were stopped. The time you were stopped. The reason given for pulling you over. Questions you were asked by the officer. What you ate that day and when. Whether you were taking any medication. Where you were coming from and where you were going. How do you recall behaving at police department. While sitting in the holding cell. Next, Have all of your paperwork reviewed by an experienced DUI attorney and become familiar with your options and likely outcomes.
