Second Offense

If charged with a second offense Hartford DUI, you may understand the difficulty of fighting the case as well as the impact that the consequences have on your life. In Connecticut, 2nd offense DUIs can be very serious, and the result of a 2nd DUI conviction could have serious implications for the future. 

Penalties For a Second Offense

For 2nd offense DUIs for offenders that are under 21 years old, the consequences are as follows: 

1. Up to two years incarceration, with a mandatory minimum of 120 consecutive days and probation and 100 hours of community service.
2. A $1,000-4,000 fine.
3. 45 days license suspension or until the person reaches the age of 21, whichever is longer, followed by three years of driving only with a vehicle with an ignition interlock device, including the first year of driving only to work, school, or an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program, or ignition interlock service center. The license will be suspended automatically if the driver is under 21, and will not have the option of challenging the suspension at a DMV hearing.

For 2nd offense DUIs for offenders that are over 21 years old, the consequences are as follows: 

1. Up to two years incarceration, with a mandatory minimum of 120 consecutive days and probation with 100 hours of community service.
2. A $1,000-4,000 fine.
3. 45 days license suspension, followed by three years of driving with a vehicle that is equipped with an ignition interlock device, and the first year limited to driving to work, school, or an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program, or ignition interlock service center.

Why Are the Penalties More Severe?

The Connecticut courts and prosecutors look at a second offense DUI in a much different way than a 1st because the DUI charge cannot be brushed off as a one-time mistake, and the defendant is seen less as a person who deserves a second chance or a warning.

Many second offender DUI convictions will result in jail time, though it is often suspended by the court, meaning the defendant will probably serve a small amount of time in jail, and the sentence balance will be suspended. It will only come back into play if the defendant violates probation. A second DUI offender should expect lengthy probation as well as a fine, usually around $1,000. The prosecutor will not offer a diversionary program, like the alcohol education program, for a second-time DUI offender. 

If you have been arrested for a second offense DUI in Hartford, then you will need a knowledgeable attorney to advocate for you. Call Lady DUI today if you are looking for an attorney for your DUI or if you have more questions.