CT's Tougher DWI laws?

Gov. Jodi Rell signed a law today requiring ignition interlock devices on cars operated by people who are convicted twice within 10 years of a DWI offense. The Hartford Court story, though short, hits the high points.

What does this mean?

If you are convicted twice of DWI within ten years, you will face at least 120 days in jail, probation, fines, court costs and fees, a substantial increase in insurance premiums, a one-year license suspension and, now, a requirement that you only operate cars with ignition interlock devices.

Basically, the car won't start unless you breath into a tube that makes certain no alcohol is emanating from your breath.

State Police Arrest 49 Over New Years Weekend

According to the Hartford Courant,, Connecticut State Police arrested 49 drivers for DWI over the holiday weekend. In addition, they issued 700 speeding citations. DWI is the same thing as DUI, OWI or OUI.

What does this mean for these 49 drivers?

Well, it depends. If this arrest was their first offense, there is a possibility that they could enter a program that wipes their criminal record clean. This does NOT affect the Department of Motor Vehicle's ability to suspend their license.

Depending on their blood alcohol content reading, that suspension will be either three or four months, depending on their blood alcohol content. If they refused a breath test, that suspension will be six months and they cannot get a work permit for three months. That means no driving at all, not even for work.

Of course, this all depends on the strength of the prosecutor's case. If it is weak, none of this may happen at all.

If any of these 49 people has been arrested before for DWI, their lives get considerably more complicated. If they used the alcohol education program within the last ten years, they will be left with a criminal record unless they can beat the case at trial.

If they have prior convictions for DWI, there is a possibility of jail time.

Worse, if there were any injuries to anyone as a result of this arrest, the problems get even worse.

Always remember that it is not enough to feel "okay" prior to driving after have drinks. Feeling "okay" is not the same as being over the legal limit. You can be in both places at the same time. The smartest thing to do is call for a ride.

But if you are arrested for a DWI, call a lawyer immediately. Your future may depend on it.