One of the greatest fears for most drivers after a Connecticut drunk driving arrest is getting their driver’s license back as soon as possible so they can return to work.

For example, if you were arrested for drunk driving in Connecticut and refused to submit to a blood alcohol content test you will face a 6 month administrative license suspension. If your blood alcohol content is between 0.08% up to 0.16% you will have your license suspended for 90 days. If your blood alcohol content is higher than 0.16% or higher your license will be suspended for 120 days. These administrative DUI penalties are in additional to DUI penalties you could face if you are eventually convicted of DUI.

So what can you do if you lose your license because you either failed the blood alcohol content test or refused to take the blood alcohol content test? Connecticut offers what they call a special work permit, also known as a hardship license in many states, which allows drivers who have had their license suspended for DUI to drive for very specific reasons.

Who qualifies for a Connecticut Hardship License?

 

• Connecticut drivers who have only been arrested for one drunk driving offense.
• Connecticut drivers who can prove that the inability to drive would endanger or dramatically affect the ability of the driver to support their family.
• Connecticut drivers who have not caused any severe injuries or accidents from their drunk driving.
• Connecticut drivers who do not have a history of reckless driving and driving infractions.

What do I do to get a Connecticut hardship license?

 

According to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, the DMV will issue hardship licenses according to Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-37a (Amended 2010) and statutes defined in the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies in Sec.14-37a.

Drivers must submit an application for the Special Permit to Operate a Motor Vehicle To and From Work (form A-62) to the DMV and a $100 non-refundable payment with the form.

According to Connecticut state law, the Connecticut hardship license is used to travel to work or to school. The driver should carry the Connecticut hardship license at all times and violation or misuse of the permit can result in additional license suspension penalties or traffic citations.

 Connecticut hardship license applications should be addressed to:

 

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Services Division
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161-2525

Hiring a DUI lawyer in Connecticut

 

DUI laws regarding obtaining a hardship license vary by state. Although the administrative license suspension may be fairly straightforward if you have been convicted of drunk driving whether or not you are granted a Connecticut hardship license may be more at the discretion of the DUI court.

Contact a Connecticut DUI lawyer to find out what is available in your state. DUI penalties are severe and Connecticut has very specific requirements which must be completed to get a Connecticut hardship license during a DUI suspension. For example, DUI offenders who have attended rehabilitation programs or who can show that a license is critical for continued employment, medical appointments, attending school or for dependent care may have a greater chance of getting a Connecticut hardship license.

Related articles

• What Happens to My License After My DUI Arrest in California? (duiattorneyhome.com)
• Revocation of your license and driving again after 20 years (duiattorneyhome.com)

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

---

Hartford is well-known as the Insurance Capital of the World, but if you consume alcoholic beverages before taking to the streets in this New England community, your insurance company will not be on your side.

Drunk driving is a serious crime in the state of Connecticut.  The laws related to a drunk driving case are constantly under review and the penalties for a DUI conviction are becoming increasingly severe.  This is not a situation that you want to handle alone.  Your best response is to discuss your case with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible.  These legal professionals have seen numerous cases just like yours and they will be able to quickly assess all aspects in your case and recommend the best course of action for you.

The legal limit for intoxication in the state of Connecticut is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%.  The driver’s BAC is determined through the administration of a chemical test, which requires that the driver provide a sample of blood, breath or urine for analysis.  If the driver refuses to provide this sample, his or her driver’s license will be automatically suspended for a period of 6 months even if this is their first DUI offense.  This is the result of the Connecticut Implied Consent Law, which states that any person who drives in the state of Connecticut has already given consent to the administration of a chemical test to determine their BAC just based on their decision to drive in the state.

If you do submit to the chemical test and it shows that your BAC is .08% or greater, you will be taken into custody.  You will be held in police detention until you are bailed out.  If you are convicted of DUI and this is your first offense, you can anticipate significant penalties including fines between $500 and $1000 and a license suspension of 1 year.  This driver’s license suspension is separate from the suspension of your license if you refused to submit to a chemical test.  Jail time will also be a part of the penalties for a first time DUI conviction.  The jail sentence is 6 months with 48 hours being mandatory.  This sentence may be suspended, but in these cases 100 hours of community service will be required.

Drivers whose license is suspended as a result of a DUI conviction can apply for a special operating permit that will allow them to drive to and from work only.  Application for this permit must be made through the Driver Services Division of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.

And finally, if you are convicted of a DUI, your auto insurance rates will increase substantially and your insurance carrier may go so far as to drop your policy, forcing you to pay much higher premiums with a new carrier.

You need to take action immediately to ensure that your freedoms and privileges are protected.  Contact a qualified DUI lawyer today to start working on your case.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

---