DWI / OUI

If You Are Charged With Operating Under The Influence In Connecticut

If you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence in Connecticut (O.U.I.) you should consult with an attorney.

Attorney James Diamond is a skilled and experienced attorney at OUI defense. He has handled thousands of these types of cases since 1988, including those with fatalities and serious injuries, and he has conducted numerous jury trials in this field.

Connecticut law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (14-227a). A person may be prosecuted for this offense whether or not they have had a breath, blood or urine test taken to determine their alcohol content. This offense, known in Connecticut as "Operating Under the Influence" is referred to as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under The Influence) in other states.

How are O.U.I. cases treated in the Connecticut Courts?

Alcohol Education Program

If you are charged with O.U.I., and you have never been convicted of O.U.I. in Connecticut or any other state and you have never previously used the Alcohol Education Program, then you may be eligible for this program. This is a one-year program with required classes and possible counseling. A non-refundable fee is required to participate in this program. If this program is successfully completed, the charges will be dismissed. Only a Superior Court Judge can grant this program and it is advisable to have an experienced attorney like James Diamond to convince a Judge that you are a good candidate for the program.

Here are the range of penalties for OUI in Connecticut if you are not eligible for the Alcohol Education Program:

FIRST
CONVICTION TEST RESULTS OF .08
OR HIGHER

SECOND
CONVICTION TEST RESULTS OF .08
OR HIGHER

THIRD
CONVICTION TEST RESULTS OF .08
OR HIGHER

Fine:
Mandatory Minimum: $500
Maximum: $1,000

Jail:
Mandatory Minimum:
48 hours Or 100 hours Community Service
Maximum: 6 Months

License Suspension:
One Year

Fine:
Mandatory Minimum: $1,000
Maximum: $4,000

Jail:
Mandatory Minimum:
120 days and 100 hours Community Service
Maximum: 2 Years

License Suspension:
Three Years (or until you are 21 years of age, whichever is longer)

Fine:
Mandatory Minimum: $2,000
Maximum: $8,000

Jail:
Mandatory Minimum:
1 Year And 100 hours Community Service
Maximum: 3 Years

License Suspension: Permanent Revocation

D.M.V. "Per Se" Suspensions

After being arrested and charged with Operating Under The Influence, CT DMV will send out suspension notices for "per se" suspensions for either failing or refusing a breath, blood or urine test. Hearings to contest these suspensions may be arranged. It is highly recommended that a person who wishes to contest their "per se" suspension hire an experienced attorney like James Diamond to defend them at the "per se" hearing.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.