Out-of-State DUI Arrests in Connecticut – What You Need to Know
Imagine driving through Greenwich or Stamford on I-95 late at night, heading home to New York or New Jersey, when suddenly you see the flashing lights of a police car. The officer suspects you of DUI, and now you’re arrested in a state where you don’t even live. This is one of Out-of-State DUI Arrests in Connecticut – What You Need to Know
the most stressful situations for out-of-state drivers — not knowing how Connecticut laws apply and what impact it will have on your license back home.
At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, I help dozens of drivers every year who live in other states but were arrested for DUI in Connecticut. I understand how overwhelming this can be. My goal is not only to defend your case here but also to help you minimize the impact on your ability to drive and work in your home state.
How Connecticut Treats Out-of-State Drivers
Connecticut prosecutes out-of-state DUI arrests the same way as if you lived here. The statute at issue is CGS § 14-227a, which makes it a crime to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
There are two overlapping processes:
- The Criminal Case – Your DUI charge will be handled in the Superior Court closest to where you were arrested (often Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, or New Haven if you were traveling on I-95).
- The DMV Case – A completely separate administrative process determines whether you can continue driving in Connecticut. Even though you may not live here, Connecticut has the power to suspend your privilege to drive in this state.
License Consequences: Connecticut vs. Your Home State
The biggest unknown for most clients is how their home state will react. The answer depends on where you live:
- New York – New York generally honors Connecticut suspensions but may allow for a hardship license so you can continue commuting to work.
- New Jersey – New Jersey often imposes a suspension that mirrors Connecticut’s, sometimes even more strictly.
- Massachusetts – Massachusetts typically enforces Connecticut’s suspension, meaning you could lose your right to drive at home as well.
- Other States – If you live further away, such as in Florida, Pennsylvania, or Virginia, the rules can vary. I frequently coordinate with lawyers in those states to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
This is why acting quickly is essential. If you miss the DMV hearing deadline (usually seven days from the date of arrest), you automatically lose your right to challenge the suspension in Connecticut — and your home state may follow suit.
Practical Travel Concerns for Out-of-State Clients
One of the most frustrating parts of an out-of-state arrest is the travel burden. Many of my clients live hours away and can’t take off work to keep returning to court in Stamford or Bridgeport. The good news is that in most cases:
- For some matters, I can request virtual court appearances so you don’t have to travel at all.
- I keep you fully updated on developments, so you’re never left in the dark.
This approach allows you to continue with your life while I manage the day-to-day battles in Connecticut.
Example: New York Driver Arrested in Stamford
A recent client from Westchester, New York, was pulled over in Stamford after leaving a dinner party. He had a 0.10 BAC, just over the limit. He was terrified about losing his New York license, since he commuted daily into Manhattan for work. I appeared for him at the Stamford Superior Court so he only had to travel here once. We applied for the IDIP program, which gave him a chance to avoid a conviction. At the same time, I coordinated with a New York lawyer to confirm that his home state would not impose any additional penalties once the Connecticut case was resolved. Within a year, his charges were dismissed, and his driving record in New York remained intact. This is the kind of two-front defense strategy that makes all the difference for out-of-state clients.
Defenses to Out-of-State DUI Charges
Just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you’re guilty. I carefully review each case for defenses such as:
- Illegal traffic stops – Police must have a lawful reason to stop your car. If they didn’t, everything that follows can be thrown out.
- Unreliable field sobriety tests – These are subjective and often poorly administered. Nervousness, medical conditions, or even uneven pavement can affect results.
- Breath test problems – The breathalyzer machines used in Connecticut must be calibrated and operated according to strict guidelines. Failure to follow procedures can make results inadmissible.
- Refusals – If you refused the test, you face a longer DMV suspension, but this may give me more leverage to fight the criminal side of your case.
For many first-time offenders, I also pursue the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP), which can lead to a dismissal of charges upon successful completion. This is especially important for out-of-state drivers who want to avoid having a permanent conviction follow them back home.
Collateral Consequences of an Out-of-State DUI
Many clients don’t realize that a DUI can affect more than just your driver’s license.
- Employment – If you hold a CDL or drive for work, your job could be at risk.
- Professional Licenses – Doctors, nurses, lawyers, and financial professionals may need to report convictions to licensing boards.
- Insurance – A DUI conviction almost always leads to higher premiums.
- Travel – Some countries, such as Canada, may deny entry to travelers with DUI convictions.
By fighting the charges aggressively or securing dismissal through IDIP, I help clients minimize or avoid these long-term impacts.
Example: New Jersey Driver Arrested in Greenwich
Another client, a young professional from Bergen County, New Jersey, was arrested after a night out in Greenwich. He was charged with DUI after allegedly failing field sobriety tests. He was panicked about the impact on his career, as his company required him to drive to client meetings. I handled the court appearances for him and challenged the legality of the stop, which had been made without probable cause. The prosecutor agreed to reduce the charge to reckless driving, a non-criminal motor vehicle offense. His New Jersey license remained valid, and his employer never had to find out about the DUI arrest.
Why Hire a Connecticut Lawyer for an Out-of-State DUI?
If you live in New York, New Jersey, or Massachusetts, you might wonder whether to hire a lawyer at home. The answer is simple: only a Connecticut lawyer can defend you in Connecticut courts. However, I frequently coordinate with lawyers in your state to protect your license there as well. That way, you have a full defense strategy covering both sides of the border.
This is what I call a “two-front defense” — managing your Connecticut court case while also making sure your home state license is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to come back to Connecticut for court? In most cases, yes, but I can often appear on your behalf for routine hearings. In some cases, virtual hearings are available.
Will Connecticut tell my home state about my DUI? Yes. Through the Driver License Compact, your home state will likely be notified.
Can I still drive back home after a Connecticut DUI arrest? It depends. Connecticut may suspend your privilege here, but whether your home state suspends your license depends on its laws.
What happens if I miss my Connecticut DMV hearing? You automatically lose your driving privilege in Connecticut, and your home state may also suspend your license.
Can I use the IDIP program if I live out of state? Yes, and I help clients complete the requirements while minimizing travel.
Is a DUI in Connecticut a felony? A first offense is a misdemeanor, but repeat DUIs or cases with serious injuries can be felonies.
Will this affect my professional license? Possibly. While many boards only require disclosure of felonies, employers may still see a DUI arrest, so it’s best to avoid conviction.
Can you negotiate for me if I live far away? Yes, I handle negotiations directly with prosecutors so you don’t need to appear for every hearing.
What if I refused the breath test? Refusals usually carry longer suspensions but can create opportunities in court.
How soon should I hire a lawyer? Immediately. The DMV hearing deadline is only seven days, and missing it can be devastating.
Take Action Now
A DUI arrest in another state can feel like the end of the world — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right defense and a lawyer who knows how to navigate both Connecticut courts and your home state license issues, you can protect your future by requesting virtual court hearings on your behalf..
Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer today use our online contact form at (203) 357-5555 for a free consultation. I’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and fight to keep your record and license as clear as