Connecticut Woman Charged With DUI Says Cold Medicine Was a Factor

A Connecticut woman was charged with driving under the influence recently after crashing her vehicle into an East Haven liquor store, MSNBC reported. The driver maintains that she had not been drinking alcohol, but instead attributes the crash to a combination of cold medicine and a slippery brake pedal.

According to MSNBC, the woman stated that she was suffering from a cold and had taken Nyquil. She also told a reporter that her foot had slipped off the brake pedal, which had recently been cleaned with Armor All. The driver was uninjured in the crash, and one store employee was treated for minor injuries.

The driver was arrested and released on a $5,000 bond, but faces serious charges as a result of the accident. In Connecticut, drivers are prohibited from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with an elevated blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or above. Even with a BAC of less than 0.08 percent, a driver may still be charged with DUI if his or her ability to driver is significantly affected by drugs or alcohol.

If convicted of the DUI charges, the woman faces penalties that include:

• Up to three years in prison
• Fines of up to $8,000
• Driver's license suspension or permanent revocation
• Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device for up to 10 years after reinstatement of driving privileges

The criminal penalties for people convicted of DUI in Connecticut become harsher with repeated offenses. Steeper penalties may also be imposed in cases that involve other factors, such as causing an injury or death while driving under the influence.

If you are arrested on suspicion of DUI in Connecticut, be sure to seek help from an experienced DUI defense lawyer right away. An attorney will help you understand the charges against you and will advocate on your behalf for the best possible resolution to your case.