One of the very first questions I hear from clients who call me after a DUI arrest is: “Am I facing a felony?”
It’s a fair question — the word “felony” carries a lot of weight. Felonies mean harsher penalties, longer jail time, and lifelong consequences that can affect jobs, housing, and your future.
The good news is that in Connecticut, most first-time DUI arrests are not felonies. If this is your first offense, it will usually be treated as a misdemeanor. In many cases, there are diversionary programs available — such as the Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP) — that can keep your record clean if you complete them successfully.