Connecticut DUI Law Blog

Rhode Island has a higher death rate per capita from vehicle crashes involving alcohol than any of its neighboring states. The Rhode Island legislature has been in a constant uphill battle to pass stronger legislation on drunk driving. These statistics will certainly mean a heightened level of public scrutiny for two Rhode Island legislators recently arrested for drinking and driving.

A Republican State Representative, Robert Watson, was arrested after he was found in a parked car with several beers and a marijuana pipe. The police said he was "highly intoxicated," but he was only charged with possession and not drunk driving due to "legal issues." Watson said he was not driving under the influence.

This weekend marks an annual tradition at the University of Connecticut, as well as several other colleges in the state: Spring Weekend.

During the past few years, university officials have worked to end the three-day party, but the efforts have not been entirely successful. Each year, thousands of students -- both from the University of Connecticut as well as students from other colleges -- storm the college for a weekend of drinking parties.

This year, Connecticut State Police are working with the University of Connecticut Police Department to conduct DUI sobriety checkpoints beginning tonight and throughout the weekend.

In Connecticut, individuals who are convicted of drunk driving can face a variety of charges, depending on the circumstances of their arrests. An individual who is facing his or her first arrest may get through the process with a hefty fine and a ding on the criminal record. Someone who already has one or two DUI convictions will likely face more severe penalties.

In some situations, individuals who are convicted of repeat DUI offenses may be required to install ignition interlock devices in their cars. The devices can be obtrusive, and any passenger who gets in the car will quickly know the driver has a history of DUI arrests.

Now, the Senate is looking into whether it would be feasible to install ignition interlock devices in every new car.

In the fall of 2011, baseball commission officials brought to the table the possibility of a sweeping ban on alcohol consumption in baseball clubhouses, both before and after games. The hope is that that this measure would reduce DUI occurrences across the country, from Connecticut to California. While this ban has not yet been officially implemented, it is being seriously considered.

Despite this idea being in limbo for the league as a whole, a number of teams have already decided to put this measure into effect. There is some speculation that these changes were enacted voluntarily in response to a number of alcohol-related incidents after the celebratory events that followed baseball games. There have been a number of incidents including many auto accidents and even a few alcohol-related deaths involving players.