When choosing a Connecticut DUI Lawyer be prepared to ask tough questions. Not all Connecticut DUI Lawyers take the time to challenge the case against you. Some lawyers simply walk you through a plea without digging into the police reports, any potentially exculpatory video evidence, and the certification and qualifications of the officer or officers involved. CT DUI Lawyer Matthew Marin fights aggressively on each and every DUI case examine each and every possible defense to deliver the best possible result on your case. Matthew Marin always thoroughly reviews all materials including any and all police reports, any and all video tapes, and materials you have been able to obtain. We will provide you with our experienced opinion as to whether the officers complied with all the required legal process for your DUI arrest. We will also provide you with detailed information as to what you can expect when the case proceeds into Court.  Call us today at (860) 294-4384 or complete our quick contact form.

Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Connecticut (Updated in 2025)

Fines$500 to $1,000
JailUp to 6 Months In Jail with 48 Hours Mandatory Minimum or 6 Months Jail Suspended with 100 Hours of Community Service
License Suspension45 days, with IID required for reinstatement for 6 months (if 21 or older) or 1 year (if under 21)

Restoration Requirements for a First Offense DUI in Connecticut

  • License Suspension Duration:
    • General: 45 Days
    • Operators under 18 years of age: One Year from the effective date of the suspension or until the date of the operator’s 18th birthday, whichever is longer
  • After the license suspension period, to restore your license, you must:
    • Submit a check or money order in the amount of $125 payable to “DMV”
    • Complete the Substance Abuse Treatment Program, approved by the Commission er of Motor Vehicles, if required
    • Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle for one year (duration may vary for minors)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

Ignition interlock devices are becoming a much more frequent penalty imposed for drivers convicted of DUI nationally. An ignition interlock is a device which is installed in motor vehicles to prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol. The device requires the operator of the vehicle to breathe into it to operate the vehicle. Connecticut ignition interlock devices prevent the vehicle from being started if the operator’s blood alcohol content is determined be to be above 0.025% (well below the 0.08% legal limit). The ignition interlock device also requires the driver to submit periodic breath samples while he or she is driving.

Who is required to install an ignition interlock device in Connecticut?

First Time Offenders – First time offenders must drive only vehicles equipped with ignition interlocks for one year (once the period of license suspension ends).

Second Time Offenders – Second time offenders may only drive interlock-equipped devices to or from (1) work, (2) school, (3) an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program, or (4) an ignition interlock service center for the first year of a three year period.

How much does the ignition interlock device cost?

The DMV requires a $100 fee before the device is installed and also charges fees which cover the cost of installing and maintaining the devices.

Connecticut DUI Resources and Information:

Directions to Connecticut DUI Locations
http://www.jud.ct.gov/directory/court_directions.htm

DUI Case Lookup
http://www.jud.ct.gov/crim.htm

Summary of Connecticut DUI Law
https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/sup/chap_248.htm

Last updated: March 2025 to reflect current DUI laws and penalties.