Getting multiple DUIs is often doubly stigmatized, but getting multiple DUIs doesn’t inherently require 100% willful, out-of-control behavior. As stated above, DUIs are often last-minute lapses in judgement that overcome a person’s rational processes of thought. However, intention and internal processing aren’t really the main factors that are considered in when a defendant is brought up on multiple DUI charges.

The State of Connecticut takes all DUIs very seriously, and takes multiple DUIs especially seriously. This is especially true if your most recent DUI occurred less than 10 years after the DUI that preceded it. In Connecticut, a second DUI (within ten years of your first DUI) is a felony charge. If convicted, you will have a felony on your permanent record, which can cause many complications in and of itself. Among other issues that may arise, a felony conviction can show up on background checks and prevent you from accessing employment, public program benefits, and housing, and can also result in a lifelong ban on voting.

In addition to felony status, consequences for a second DUI within 10 years of a first DUI can include:

• Prison time, with a minimum of 120 days and a maximum of 2 years
• Mandatory alcohol and/or drug treatment
• Fines of up to $4,000
• Minimum 45-day license suspension
• Three years with an Interlock device
• 100+ hours of community service
• Revocation of commercial driver’s license, if applicable.

If this is your third or subsequent DUI charge, those penalties can be even more severe. Additional sentences for a third or subsequent DUI in Connecticut include:

• $2,000 to $8,000 in fines, in addition to any court costs and fees.
• Prison time, with a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years.
• Automatic license revocation (with appeals available after two years)
• Probation (usually at least 2 years from prison release date)

In addition, there are certain circumstances in which the court may consider a multiple DUI to be an even more serious crime. These are referred to as “aggravated circumstances”, or circumstances which may worsen the potential harm caused by the DUI. Factors which may contribute to an “aggravated multiple DUI” include:

• The accident involves severe property damage, serious injury, and/or death.
• You are driving without a license, or you are driving on a license that has been suspended, revoked, or otherwise made invalid
• There are minors present in the car during the DUI
• The vehicle involved in the DUI is a school bus
• The DUI occurs in a school zone
• You have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over twice the legal limit
• You refuse to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) for drugs and/or alcohol
• You flee the scene at any point
• You resist or refuse to cooperate with arresting or investigating officers

In the event that your charges are considered “aggravated”, you will be more likely to face more severe consequences. These may include:

• Longer or more severe mandatory substance abuse treatment
• Higher fines
• Longer periods of driver’s license suspension without appeal, or even permanent driver’s license revocation
• Longer periods with the interlock device, or installation of a permanent interlock device
• Increased mandatory community service hours
• Longer jail or prison sentences
• Longer terms of parole.

As you can see, there is a great deal at stake when facing a second DUI, third DUI, or even fourth DUI, especially in aggravated circumstances. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to have an experienced, reliable DUI defense attorney on your side. In Chaplin, CT, the man for the job is Connecticut DUI Attorney Steven Tomeo.

Attorney Tomeo is extremely knowledgeable about Connecticut DUI law, and has the courtroom experience to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Give yourself a leg up and call (860) 764-2744 for a free, personalized consultation today.