Connecticut DUI law to see changes in 2012? Check it out.
What are the changes in Connecticut DUI law for 2012
A new Connecticut law designed to protect the public from DUI offenders and help offenders get proper treatment is currently in its final stages of revision.
Mandatory Ignition interlok devices
Among other things, the new law will allow repeat drunk drivers to keep their licenses by using ignition interlock devices and allow the Department of Correction to release DUI offenders from prison to serve their mandatory minimum sentences as home confinement.
The law-which was prompted in part by lobbying from Mothers Against Drunk Driving-is set to take effect on January 1. Defense attorneys that handle DUI cases widely support the law, which will allow offenders to continue with their lives and get treatment.
According to MADD, the law is a much needed reform of the current system. Statistics show that 78 percent of those who have had their license suspended continue to drive. The new law, which incorporates ignition interlock, will permit them to drive provided they have refrained from consuming alcohol.
It is expected that the new law will positively impact DUI fatalities. The state of New Mexico already has a similar law, and has seen a 30 percent decrease in DUI fatalities as a result.
The law isn’t as well supported by prosecutors and judges though. Among the concerns is that the Department of Correction will be overriding court sentences and releasing DUI offenders early.
MADD is currently making efforts to educate judges, prosecutors and police on the new law. In our next post, we’ll continue looking at this topic.
Other changes regarding DUI education program
Under the new law, charges may be dismissed for a first time DUI after an alcohol education program has been successfully completed. Offenders have their driver’s license suspended for 30 days.
Upon a second arrest, drivers are required to serve mandatory minimum sentences of 48 hours in prison and have their licenses suspended for 45 days. Judges will be required to order use of an ignition interlock device for one year.
The ignition interlock device was optional under previous state law. At present, around 450 state residents are estimated to be using the interlock device, but that number is expected to increase. The devices prevent offenders from starting their car if blood alcohol is detected after blowing into the device. The devices also require periodic retesting. If it detects alcohol, the vehicle’s lights and horn are activated until clean breath is blown into the device. The vehicle eventually shuts down if no clean breath is given.
Under the new law, a third arrest comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 days, a 45-day license suspension and three years use of an ignition interlock device.
A fourth conviction comes with a mandatory sentence of one year in prison, and license revocation for at least six years. If the judge approves use of an ignition interlock device, it must be used for 10 years.
The new law is harsher on drivers under the age of 21 and those convicted of vehicular manslaughter may not participate in the early release program.
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