Impaired driving offenses carry significant penalties that increase for repeat offenders. When you have a prior conviction on your record, you face aggravated criminal penalties and administrative consequences that can disrupt every aspect of your life.

Do not try to handle a second-offense DUI in New Britain without legal assistance. A second DUI requires mandatory jail time and steep fines if you are convicted. Reach out to Ruane Attorneys to discuss your legal options for defeating the charges and protecting your rights.

Penalties for a Second-Offense DUI

A second DUI offense within ten years will be charged as a felony. Connecticut General Statute §14-227a(g) describes the penalties for driving under the influence when the offender has a prior conviction for the same crime. Note that only convictions in the past ten years count as prior offenses. However, certain other offenses, such as DUI with a child in the vehicle or assault with a motor vehicle, could count as prior offenses for sentencing under this statute.

Fines and Incarceration

Fines upon conviction for a second DUI are between $1000 and $4000. A convicted person could receive a prison sentence of up to two years and must serve at least 120 consecutive days. They must also complete a sentence of probation that includes a requirement to perform at least 100 hours of community service. If recommended, the defendant must undergo a substance abuse evaluation and participate in treatment.

DMV Penalties

The Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend the driver’s license for 45 days. Once the DMV reinstates their license, they must install an ignition interlock device for three years. Our New Britain attorneys could help prevent both DMV and criminal penalties in a second-offense DUI case.

DUI Defenses to Avoid a Second Conviction

Many people think that a failed breathalyzer means they must plead guilty to DUI. However, fighting a second-time DUI charge with a lawyer is often the best strategy.

Officers must undergo training to operate breathalyzers and other means of administering chemical tests. A New Britain second-offense DUI attorney could challenge the officers’ training, equipment handling, maintenance, calibration, and interpretation of results. Similarly, an attorney could question whether an officer administered a roadside sobriety testfairly and competently. If a lawyer discovers problems related to the collection or custody of the evidence, they could fight to have the evidence thrown out of court.

A prosecutor could treat a second offense as a first offense, but they must explain to the court why they believe the reduction to a misdemeanor is appropriate. The lawyers at Ruane Attorneys could present all possible mitigating factors to convince a prosecutor to support leniency. Our legal team will do our best to help minimize the impact of a second DUI charge on a person’s life.

Fight a Second DUI with a New Britain Attorney

A second DUI conviction within ten years triggers severe penalties, including mandatory jail time. You need legal counsel from an attorney who can use every viable defense to protect your freedom and rights.

If you face a second offense DUI in New Britain, call our firm immediately. A strong defense strategy could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Ruane Attorneys today.