DUIs and Connecticut’s Department of Motor Vehicles

Interviewer: Let’s go into an overview about the DMV and what occurs after a driver receives a DUI.

All License Suspensions Are Issued by the DMV in Connecticut

Steve Tomeo: In Connecticut, license suspensions are from the DMV.

The court doesn’t have anything to do with the license suspension penalty of the manner. In Connecticut, if you’re charged with a DUI, there’s always a corresponding DMV hearing.

The vast majority of the cases, there’s always a corresponding DMV administrative per say case that’s established. If you get a letter from the DMV regarding this, you have the right to schedule a hearing to contest it. If you win at the DMV hearing, then you do not obtain an administrative suspension, especially if this is the first time you’ve ever been charged with a DUI.

What Are the Differences Between a DMV Hearing and a Court Case?

Interviewer: What are some of the more significant differences between a DMV hearing and a DUI case and a regular trial hearing?

Steve Tomeo: The DMV is a civil matter. It’s administrative and it goes by a separate group of laws known as the Connecticut Administrative Procedures Act. The burden of proof is not as high as the criminal statute. The most that can happen is that you receive a license suspension or you do not receive a license suspension. There aren’t any criminal penalties or sanctions or fines.