Second Offense

If you are a second-time offender for a DUI in New Britain, then you may already have experience with the trouble of fighting the case and the lasting impacts it may have on your life. The outcome of a second offense can have long-term effects, and they should be taken very seriously. You can learn more about what to do if you are a 2nd New Britain DUI offender on this page.

Second Offense Penalties

Second offense DUIs for those under the legal drinking age of 21 have the following penalties:

1. Up to two years of imprisonment with a mandatory period of at least 120 continuous days, 100 hours of community service, and probation.
2. A fine of $1,000-$4,000.
3. A license suspension of 45 days or until the offender reaches age 21, whichever is more lengthy. Once the license is reinstated, they will have three years of driving with an ignition interlock device installed (IID) in the car following suspension with the first year of driving to work, school, a substance abuse treatment center, or an ignition interlock service center.

Second DUI offenders over the legal drinking age of 21 have the following penalties:

1. Up to two years of imprisonment with a mandatory period of at least 120 continuous days, 100 hours of community service with probation.
2. A fine of $1,000-$4,000.
3. A license suspension of 45 days. Once the license suspension is lifted, it is followed by three years of driving with an ignition interlock device equipped in the car. The first year of driving after license reinstatement is limited to driving to work, school, an ignition interlock service center, or a substance or alcohol abuse treatment program.

Protecting Yourself

A second-time DUI offense is seen differently than a first offense by the Connecticut prosecutors and courts since the offender is not seen as someone who deserves a warning or second chance, as it no longer can be dismissed as a one-time mistake. Jail time is common for second-time offenders. However, the defendant will likely serve a lesser amount of time in jail, with the remaining jail time being made up with probation. A violation of probation will result in serving out the rest of the sentence in jail. A fine of around $1,000 and lengthy probation should be anticipated. No alcohol education program will be available to a second-time DUI offender. 

If you are a second-time DUI offender in New Britain or have any questions, call Lady DUI today to speak with a DUI defense attorney who can help.