Second Offense

Relative to a first DUI, second DUIs are treated much more harshly by the state of Connecticut, as the court finds less reason to be lenient and more reason to see it as a pattern of problematic behavior. On this page, you can learn more about what to do if you face a 2nd DUI in Danbury or the surrounding area.

Penalties

Over 21

As with the first DUI, subsequent DUIs differ depending on the defendant’s age. A second DUI for someone over 21 years of age has the following punishment:

• No more than two years incarceration, with a mandatory minimum of 120 consecutive days and probation.
• 100 hours of community service.
• A $1,000-4,000 fine.
• A 45 day license suspension, followed with three years of driving with a vehicle that is equipped with an ignition interlock device. There is also a caveat that the first year after the driving suspension, the person can only drive to work, school, an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program, or ignition interlock service center. These are the only times the person may drive at all.

Under 21

If the offender is under 21 years of age, the punishment is very similar with a slight deviation, and can be:

• No more than two years of incarceration, including a 120 consecutive-day mandatory minimum, followed by probation.
• 100 hours of community service.
• A fine between $1,000 and $4,000.
• A license suspension for 45 days or until the driver reaches age 21, whichever time period is longer, and three years of driving with the ignition interlock device in the vehicle, including a year of driving only to work, school, or substance abuse treatment. This is an automatic license suspension.

Differing from a first DUI, subsequent DUIs cannot be handled by way of an alcohol education program resulting in a dismissal. Further, a second DUI will result in jail time, though often it is a suspended sentence. This typically means a defendant may serve some time in jail, but the remainder of the jail sentence will only be served if the defendant violates probation.

Facing Your Second DUI

Often with a second DUI, there are large fines and other issues, but perhaps the most long-lasting is a conviction on the defendant’s record. This may negatively impact housing, education, employment, and licensing for that person for many years to come. It is because of this that it is extremely important for someone facing a second Danbury DUI to have a legal mind representing them. To ensure you have the best legal representation available, call Lady DUI to set up a free consultation.