A DUI is a criminal charge associated with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is a serious crime that can result in significant damage, injury, and even death. Because of the severity of potential outcomes of driving drunk, the charges are equally severe. A person who was arrested for a DUI may wonder if they can get their charges reduced to a lesser offense. If you are wondering about your legal rights and options, reach out to an experienced Hartford County DUI attorney for skilled legal advice and counsel.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Connecticut?
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is .08% for most drivers. Penalties for breaking this law can vary depending on the details of the situation, your prior criminal record, and various other factors.
In Connecticut, a first-offense DUI conviction will generally result in the following.
- Up to 6 months in prison
- Fines of up to $1,000
- 45-day license suspension
- Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device for 1 year after license reinstatement
- Probation
- Mandatory community service
A second, third, or subsequent offense will result in even more severe penalties.
Can I Get My DUI Charges Reduced to a Lesser Offense in CT?
In Connecticut, a DUI charge can potentially be reduced to a lesser offense depending on certain circumstances. However, it is not guaranteed. Whether or not your charges can be reduced depends on the amount of evidence the prosecution has, what your BAC was, if you are a repeat offender, if there was a minor in the car, if you caused an accident, or if any other aggravating or mitigating factors were present.
Through the use of plea bargaining, you may be able to negotiate lesser charges. Your attorney can work with the prosecutor to agree on a reduced charge in exchange for you pleading guilty to the new offense. This process can help you avoid the harsher penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
What Lesser Offenses Can I Get My Charges Reduced To?
The options for plea bargaining are limited in Connecticut but drivers may be able to negotiate a DUI charge down to a reckless driving offense. Often referred to as a “wet reckless,” your new charges will be reckless driving with the acknowledgment that your offense involved alcohol.
A first-offense reckless driving conviction is generally charged as a class D misdemeanor and punishable by up to 30 days in jail, fines up to $300, and a potential license suspension. This charge has less severe consequences so it is appealing to individuals who would otherwise be facing DUI charges.
While getting your charges reduced can be beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that any criminal charge will have implications on your driving record, insurance, and life in general. Work with an attorney to learn more about your options during a DUI case.
