What to Expect After a First OUI in Connecticut

Do you know what to expect after a first OUI in Connecticut? It can seem overwhelming right now, but with the right support to turn to for guidance, this will all be behind you. If you must install an Ignition Interlock Device, Smart Start makes this part of your OUI process easy and stress-free. Let’s go over a typical timeline for a first DUI in Connecticut.

A First OUI in Connecticut Timeline

First, an OUI stands for Operating Under the Influence in Connecticut and can mean an alcohol and/or drug charge. With an OUI arrest, your vehicle was likely towed and impounded. Once you are released from jail or the station, you can arrange to retrieve your vehicle. You may want to hire a legal representative such as an OUI attorney at this time who can walk you through the proper next steps. You will also be receiving paperwork in the mail from the DMV about your driver’s license suspension period. In most cases, the suspension period lasts 45 days.

Your Administrative Hearing

If this is your first OUI and you either failed or refused your chemical test, license suspension begins within 45 days from your arrest date. During this time, you’ll have the option to request an administrative hearing with the DMV that contests this license suspension. The Connecticut DMV will send you information about your suspension in the mail. Once you receive this paperwork, you have seven days from receiving the mailing to schedule this hearing. To schedule a hearing, call the Administrative Per Se Unit of the DMV at 860-263-5204 during normal business hours. Make sure you are not driving during this time!

Your court-ordered consequences may also be occurring around the same time as your administrative/driver’s license hearing.  In Connecticut, DMV and court processes and hearings related to your OUI are separate from one another.

Court-Ordered Consequences

For court matters, you will receive a summons for your criminal case regarding the OUI. You may want to consult with a legal representative regarding your specific OUI criminal charges and your options. You could be eligible, for example, to apply in court for the Alcohol Education Program. This program, upon completion, allows the criminal charges to potentially be dismissed.

Below are the typical consequences from a first OUI.

• Fines
• 45-day license suspension (this period could have happened before your court process begins)
• Possible attendance of a MADD Victim Impact Panel 
• Ignition Interlock Device installation on all owned and operated vehicles between six months to one year (this period can vary)

Installing an Ignition Interlock

Your legal representative may advise that you install an Ignition Interlock within 30 days from your arrest, regardless of the outcome of your hearing. Smart Start can schedule an installation appointment for you quickly and seamlessly by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form. If you choose Smart Start as your provider, our friendly technicians will fill out a section of Form P-246 and hand it back to you to mail to the DMV.

Wondering how long you’ll need an Ignition Interlock? Each case is different, but a typical period is between six months to a year for a first OUI in Connecticut. A chemical test refusal will most likely mean an Ignition Interlock is a one-year requirement.

Have any more questions about your Ignition Interlock? Feel free to call Smart Start at (800) 831-3299. If you have any questions about your OUI case, make sure to ask your legal representative or your court contact.

Need to Install an Ignition Interlock in Connecticut?

Get back on the road the fastest with Smart Start! You are in good hands with an affordable program, a reliable device and friendly customer service available to you 24/7/365. Make sure to ask for any state discounts or specials! Schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our short online form.