Sometimes Connecticut residents travel to other states, like South Dakota, for business or pleasure and have the unfortunate luck to be charged with a DUI. If this happens to you, you should first find a qualified DUI lawyer in South Dakota, but you should also be aware of how Connecticut’s DMV will treat you upon your return.

South Dakota DUI Penalties

If you have been convicted of a DUI in South Dakota, you would be convicted of violating SDCL 32-23-1.

In South Dakota, the penalties for DUI can range depending on the number of prior DUI offenses you have.

First offense (BAC .169 or lower): The penalties for this offense include a jail sentence of no more than one year and/or a fine of $2,000, and a 30 day license suspension.

First offense (BAC .17 or higher): In addition to the punishments listed above, you will have to take a chemical dependency evaluation.

Second offense: This conviction will result in a maximum jail sentence of one year and/or a fine of $2,000.

Third offense: This is considered a felony. Penalties include a maximum imprisonment of two years, a fine of $4,000, and a license suspension for one year.

Fourth offense: Also a felony, a fourth offense will result in a jail sentence of no more than five years in a state penitentiary, a fine of $10,000, and a license revocation for three years.

If you are a Connecticut resident who has been charged with or convicted of DUI in South Dakota, you should be aware that there are repercussions on your Connecticut license in your home state in addition to any license impact in South Dakota as set forth above.

After hiring a South Dakota DUI lawyer to help you fight your DUI, you should consider contacting a Connecticut DUI lawyer or asking us to assist you in retaining one for your home state consequences.