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What Should I Do If I’ve Been Arrested for DUI / OUI in Connecticut?
Updated: Sep 21
Q & A With Attorney Gregg Wagman
Being arrested for DUI in Connecticut can be stressful and confusing, especially if you are unsure what happens next.
In Connecticut, DUI is commonly referred to as OUI (Operating Under the Influence), and an arrest can lead to both a criminal court case and separate consequences involving your driver's license.
Acting quickly after a DUI arrest can help you understand your rights, protect important evidence, and make informed decisions about your defense.
What Should I Do After a DUI / OUI Arrest in Connecticut?
If you have been arrested for DUI/OUI, consider taking these steps as soon as possible:
1. Contact a Connecticut DUI / OUI Defense Attorney
One of the most important steps after a DUI arrest is speaking with an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney like Attorney Gregg Wagman in New London.
A DUI case can involve more than the criminal charge itself. Your attorney can review the circumstances of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, arrest procedures, and potential DMV consequences.
An attorney can also explain your options based on your circumstances, including whether you can challenge the evidence or qualify for a diversion program.
2. Pay Close Attention to Your DMV Paperwork
A Connecticut DUI / OUI arrest may trigger a separate administrative driver's license suspension through the Department of Motor Vehicles. This process is separate from the criminal court case.
According to the Connecticut DMV, a suspension can result from failing or refusing a chemical alcohol test. The DMV generally sends a suspension notice to the driver's address of record, and the notice provides a deadline to request an administrative hearing. Connecticut DMV states that the hearing request deadline is generally seven days from the date on the notice.
Do not ignore DMV correspondence. Missing an important deadline could affect your ability to challenge the administrative suspension.
3. Understand That the Criminal Case and DMV Case Are Separate
A common question after a DUI arrest is: “If my DUI /OUI charge is dismissed, will my license automatically be restored?”
Not necessarily. Connecticut treats the administrative license suspension and the criminal DUI prosecution as separate matters. The DMV can impose an administrative suspension based on the circumstances surrounding the chemical test, while the criminal case proceeds through the court system.
This is one reason it is important to address both sides of a DUI arrest rather than focusing exclusively on the court charge.
4. Preserve Your Records and Evidence
Write down what you remember about the events leading up to your arrest while the details are still fresh. Include information such as:
Where and when you were stopped
Why you believe the police stopped you
What you were asked to do during field sobriety testing
Whether you took a breath, blood, or urine test
What the officer said before and after testing
Whether you received paperwork or a suspension notice
Where your vehicle was towed
Names of potential witnesses
Any medical or prescription-drug information that may be relevant
Do not post details about your arrest or case on social media. Instead, provide relevant information directly to your attorney.
5. Do Not Assume a DUI Conviction Is Automatic
An arrest is not the same thing as a conviction. A DUI / OUI prosecution may involve questions about the traffic stop, probable cause, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, police procedures, and the reliability or admissibility of evidence.
Connecticut law also allows an OUI prosecution without direct evidence of a particular BAC when the state alleges that the person's ability to operate the vehicle was impaired.
That means every DUI case needs to be evaluated based on its specific facts rather than simply the reported BAC.
What Happens to My Driver's License After a Connecticut DUI / OUI Arrest?
License consequences depend on factors including whether you refused testing, whether you failed a chemical test, your age, and your prior DUI / OUI history.
For example, Connecticut DMV currently states that a first conviction can result in a 45-day license suspension, followed by a required ignition interlock period. Refusal of chemical testing can also trigger an administrative suspension and a longer ignition interlock requirement. Penalties can become significantly more serious for subsequent offenses.
Because the rules can be complicated, do not rely on assumptions about how long you can legally drive. Review your specific DMV notice and discuss your situation with a qualified attorney.
Should I Talk to the Police After a DUI / OUI Arrest?
After an arrest, it is generally wise to avoid discussing the facts of your case with anyone other than your attorney. Do not attempt to explain, justify, or negotiate your case on your own.
Your attorney can communicate with prosecutors and evaluate the evidence while advising you about what information should—and should not—be provided.
Final Thoughts: Take a DUI / OUI Arrest Seriously, but Act Quickly
If you've been arrested for DUI / OUI in New London, CT, don't panic—but don't ignore the situation either. The most important steps are to understand your court date, review your DMV paperwork, protect your rights, preserve relevant information, and consult an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
A Connecticut DUI arrest can affect your driver's license, finances, employment, insurance, and future. Getting informed early can help you understand the process and make decisions based on the facts of your particular case.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Connecticut DUI/OUI laws and DMV procedures can change, and individual cases can have very different outcomes. If you have been arrested for DUI/OUI in New London, CT, consult a qualified Connecticut attorney about your specific situation.
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