Does a DUI in Connecticut count as a criminal charge?

Under Connecticut DUI laws, a DUI is a criminal charge. Whether the criminal charge that you face is a misdemeanor or whether it is felony will depend on the exact circumstances surrounding the charges. Typically, for a first offense with no aggravating factors, the charge is a misdemeanor criminal charge. If you have multiple offenses and/or various aggravating circumstances surround the charges- like having a minor in the car, driving while drinking from an open bottle of alcohol or causing an accident- then the charges could actually rise to the level of felony charges. 

Because the charges are criminal, this means that DUI penalties have a myriad of potentially life changing consequences. Of course, you can have your license suspended or revoked for the DUI. However, the penalties can be much more serious than that. You may also need to go to jail; you may have to pay large fines and court costs totaling in the thousands or tens of thousands; you may have to do hours of community service; you may need to submit to required mandated alcohol counseling; you may be on probation; and you may face additional consequences at the discretion of the judge who is assigned to your case. The penalties will be worse if you have a history of previous DUIs. 

When you are dealing with these criminal charges, you need professional help. Consult with a lawyer as soon as you can after you are charged with a DUI so you will have time to explore all your options and choose the best course of action.