If you have been arrested for an out-of-state DUI, you should be aware of the consequences in Connecticut. You could find yourself facing more harsh penalties than if you got your DUI here in Connecticut!

Being arrested for an out-of-state DUI is different than a regular DUI arrest in many ways. You can learn more with the following facts about out-of-state DUI.

Out-of-State DUI Facts

1. You should hire a DUI lawyer in the state where you were arrested.
2. If you are convicted of an out-of-state DUI, you also face the DUI punishments in your home state.
3. Your home state will be notified of any out-of-state DUIs.
4. If you wish to fight the DUI penalties in your home state, you should also hire a DUI lawyer in that state.
5. If convicted of a DUI in another state, your license in your home state could be revoked.
6. Acting quickly and in an organized manner will help you fight an out-of-state DUI.
7. You might have to make arrangements to return to the state where you received your DUI for trial or DMV hearings.
8. States define drinking related charges differently – some use the term “DUI,” some use the term “DWI.”
9. Crimes such as Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) only exist in some states.
10. If you are a Connecticut driver facing a DWAI in a neighboring state such as New York, the charges will be dropped because that charge does not exist in Connecticut.

The fact is that the Connecticut DMV treats a DUI conviction out of state as a Connecticut conviction. Many states have less harsh license suspension periods. You may think that because the case resolved in another state and that lawyer recommended the disposition, it was the right thing to do. But the long-term ramifications of a DUI conviction in another state could still cause trouble. So it is important to hire a Connecticut DMV attorney with experience in these issues to help protect yourself and work with your out of state attorney to fashion a result that leaves you protected in both states.

If you have already plead guilty in another state, you may have defenses to the license suspension, and if you act quickly, we can attempt to restore your license while the proper documents are obtained from the other state. If the state can’t get those to identify you, we could possibly avoid a suspension altogether. It is only by working quickly and taking the right steps that your license can be saved. Call us today for a consultation on out of state DUI license suspensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I Get an Out-of-State DUI, Do I Have to Hire Two Attorneys?

If you get a DUI in another state, you should definitely hire a local DUI attorney to defend your case. In addition, if you want to fight the penalties that this DUI will make you face in Connecticut, it is in your best interest to also hire a Connecticut DUI lawyer. A Connecticut DUI lawyer might be able to have punishments reduced or save your Connecticut license from being revoked. However, if the local DUI attorney can save you from a conviction in the state where you were charged, you won’t have to hire a Connecticut DUI lawyer or face Connecticut penalties.

Will an Out-of-State DUI Affect My Connecticut License?

In most cases, the answer is yes. Connecticut has very severe DUI penalties. One of these penalties is the automatic suspension of your license. This happens if you are convicted of a DUI. If you are convicted of an out-of-state DUI, that state will notify Connecticut. Then, you will face Connecticut penalties in addition to the ones in the state where you were convicted.

What if I’m an Out-of-State Driver Who Gets a DUI in Connecticut?

The same rules apply in this case – you face penalties in Connecticut as well as your home state. Because Connecticut DUI penalties are so severe, they will most likely be more intense than the ones you face in your home state.

Do I Have to Appear in the State Where I Received My DUI?

In some cases, your attorney can appear in court for you, but there is a chance that if your case goes to trial you will have to appear in court in the state where you were charged with a DUI.

Does an Out-of-State DUI Count as a DUI in My Home State?

You face the same penalties for an out-of-state DUI as you would if your arrest occurred in Connecticut. In addition, this DUI will be considered a first offense, which could impact you if you receive another DUI in the future.