Local DUI Laws

How DUI Charges Are Classified in Connecticut

In Connecticut, driving under the influence (DUI) can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the offense. The classification is not fixed—rather, it depends on factors such as the number of prior offenses, whether any injuries or property damage occurred, and how much time has passed between previous and current charges.

For most people facing a first-time DUI, the charge is typically a misdemeanor. However, repeat offenses or DUI-related incidents involving serious harm can elevate the charge to a felony, bringing much harsher penalties and longer-term consequences.

Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony DUI in Connecticut is essential. Each comes with different legal outcomes, affects your criminal record in different ways, and influences how future offenses are handled. This post explains the conditions under which DUI charges are considered misdemeanors or felonies in the state and how these classifications affect arrests, penalties, and long-term impact.

First and Second DUI Offenses Are Typically Misdemeanors

In Connecticut, a first DUI offense is usually charged as a misdemeanor. While this may sound like a less serious classification, the consequences can still be severe. A misdemeanor DUI conviction can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock device usage. Even without a felony designation, the impact on your driving record and criminal history is significant.

Key penalties for a first misdemeanor DUI may include:

• Up to 6 months in jail (with a minimum of 2 days or 100 hours of community service)
• Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000
• 45-day license suspension
• 1 year of ignition interlock device (IID) use after suspension
• Probation and alcohol education or treatment programs

A second DUI offense—as long as it occurs within 10 years of the first—is also generally classified as a misdemeanor, but with much harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time and a longer IID requirement.

Standard penalties for a second misdemeanor DUI include:

• Mandatory minimum of 120 days in jail, up to 2 years
• Fines between $1,000 and $4,000
• 45-day license suspension
• 3 years of IID use, with restricted driving for the first year

Though still considered misdemeanors, second offenses are not taken lightly. The law applies stricter sentencing to reflect repeat behavior and to discourage further violations.

When a DUI Becomes a Felony in Connecticut

A DUI becomes a felony in Connecticut under specific conditions, most commonly when a person is convicted of a third DUI offense within a 10-year period. Once classified as a felony, the legal and personal consequences increase significantly.

Felony DUI classification applies if:

• It is the third or subsequent conviction within 10 years
• The DUI involved serious injury or death (even if it’s the first offense)
• Other aggravating circumstances are present, such as driving with a minor in the vehicle or driving with a suspended license

Standard penalties for a felony DUI (third offense) include:

• Minimum 1 year in prison, up to 3 years
• Fines up to $8,000
• Permanent license revocation (with limited eligibility to apply for reinstatement after several years)
• Long-term IID requirement if reinstatement is ever granted
• Classification as a felon, affecting employment, housing, and civil rights

Unlike misdemeanors, felonies carry lasting consequences beyond the sentence itself. Felony records are harder to expunge, and the stigma associated with a felony conviction can follow a person for life.

In serious cases involving injury or death, even a first-time DUI can be charged as a felony. In such instances, additional charges like vehicular assault or manslaughter with a motor vehicle may apply, each carrying their own sentencing rules.

Factors That Influence DUI Classification

Several factors influence whether a DUI in Connecticut is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. These include not only how many prior offenses the driver has but also the nature and severity of the incident.

Key factors that can elevate a DUI to a felony include:

• Prior Convictions: A third DUI within 10 years automatically triggers a felony charge.
• Injury or Fatality: Accidents that result in serious injury or death, even without prior offenses, may elevate the DUI to felony-level charges.
• Child Endangerment: Driving under the influence with a minor passenger may lead to enhanced penalties or separate charges.
• Driving While Suspended: If the DUI occurs while the driver’s license is already suspended due to a prior offense, the court may impose harsher sentencing.

The court reviews these factors when deciding how to charge and sentence the case. In situations involving serious aggravating elements, prosecutors may pursue more severe charges regardless of whether it is the driver’s first DUI.

Long-Term Implications of Misdemeanor vs Felony DUIs

The classification of a DUI as a misdemeanor or felony has lasting effects on a person’s life. Even a first offense can have long-term consequences, but felony convictions typically come with more serious limitations.

Misdemeanor DUI implications may include:

• A criminal record visible to employers and background checks
• Increased insurance premiums
• Loss of driving privileges during suspension and interlock periods
• Impact on professional licenses, especially for commercial drivers

Felony DUI implications are more severe:

• Loss of voting rights (during incarceration)
• Long-term inability to hold certain jobs, especially in government or healthcare
• Difficulty securing housing or educational opportunities
• Permanent loss of certain civil rights (such as owning firearms, depending on other laws)
• Limited ability to expunge or seal the record

Felony charges carry broader consequences that affect far more than just driving privileges. The classification can shape a person’s future in both legal and personal ways.

Connecticut’s 10-Year Lookback Period

Connecticut uses a 10-year lookback window to determine whether a DUI should be charged as a first, second, or third offense. This period is measured from the date of the prior conviction to the date of the new arrest.

For example:

• A DUI conviction from 8 years ago counts toward your current offense
• A DUI from 12 years ago would not trigger felony status unless aggravating circumstances exist

This system ensures that penalties escalate only when offenses occur within a defined period. However, courts still view older DUIs as part of a person’s overall record and may consider them during sentencing, even if they don’t count toward felony classification.

It’s also important to note that participation in the Alcohol Education Program (AEP)—a diversion program available to some first-time offenders—does not count as a conviction. Therefore, if a person completed AEP without being convicted, that case may not factor into the 10-year lookback for felony consideration.

FAQ: Felony vs Misdemeanor DUI in Connecticut

Is a first DUI a felony in Connecticut?
No. A first DUI is generally classified as a misdemeanor, unless it involves serious injury or other aggravating factors.

When does a DUI become a felony in Connecticut?
A DUI becomes a felony after a third conviction within a 10-year period, or if the offense involves injury, death, or other serious circumstances.

Are second DUIs considered felonies?
No. Second DUI offenses are usually misdemeanors, though the penalties are much harsher than for a first offense.

Can a DUI be charged as a felony even without prior convictions?
Yes, if the DUI results in serious injury or death, or involves significant aggravating factors, it may be charged as a felony—even if it’s the first offense.

Does participation in the Alcohol Education Program count as a conviction?
No. Successful completion of the program avoids a conviction, which means it does not count toward the 10-year lookback for felony classification.

How long does a felony DUI stay on your record in Connecticut?
A felony DUI remains on your record permanently, unless expunged—which is rare and subject to strict eligibility.

What are the penalties for a felony DUI?
Penalties include at least 1 year in prison, fines up to $8,000, permanent license revocation, and long-term ignition interlock use if reinstatement is granted.

Conclusion

In Connecticut, a DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor for first and second offenses, but becomes a felony on a third conviction within 10 years or when serious harm is involved. The classification affects jail time, fines, license consequences, and long-term impacts on criminal and civil records.

Understanding how state DUI laws affect arrests and penalties is crucial to grasping the difference between misdemeanor and felony classifications. For a full view of how your state handles DUI charges, explore the full scope of state-by-state DUI laws to stay informed and aware of the legal implications.