Eligibility for Connecticut’s Home Confinement DUI Program

 Posted on December 13, 2024 in Driving Under the Influence

While incarceration for a Connecticut DUI is certainly a possibility, it may not be the most effective solution. Recognizing this, the Connecticut Department of Correction implemented the DUI Home Confinement Program. If you have been convicted of DUI or pled guilty to the offense, you may want to speak to your DUI attorney about your eligibility for the program.

This program could conceivably keep you out of jail or prison, allowing you to pay your debt to society while leading a relatively normal life. Speak to a Stamford, CT criminal defense attorney to determine whether this program would be a good choice for you if you are eligible.  

What Criminal Offenses Are Considered for the Home Confinement Program?

Under Connecticut Statute CGS 18-100h, the Department of Corrections can release offenders during their sentence to a sponsor or community residence that meets specific criteria. These offenders may not have been otherwise eligible for release because of a DUI mandatory sentence. The following six offenses are eligible for the program:

• DUI (Operating a vehicle under the influence)
• Operating a vehicle with a suspended license
• Drug paraphernalia prohibited acts
•  Illegal possession
• Tampering with or avoidance of an ignition interlock device
•  DUI with a child passenger

What Are the Eligibility Requirements of the Home Confinement Program?

If the offense is one of those listed above, the offender must meet certain eligibility requirements. An initial screening will be conducted by the DOC Addiction Services Unit. The individual’s criminal record will be a consideration during this initial screening. If this unit deems the offender eligible, then a more in-depth DUI assessment is completed to determine whether the offender is suitable for the program.

The assessment includes the risk of recidivism, the problems that must be addressed to mitigate this risk, and the likelihood the individual will benefit from treatment and supervision when balanced against punishment and incarceration. There are four "tracks" that can occur based on this assessment:

• Track one offenders are judged to have the lowest rate of recidivism. This track involves an initial screening, a DUI assessment, and five sessions of treatment. The average release is two to three weeks after sentencing.
• Track two offenders are believed to have a slightly higher risk of recidivism than track one. This track includes an initial screening, a full assessment, and 14 sessions of treatment. The average release is one to two months after sentencing.
• Track three offenders have a medium risk of recidivism. This track includes an initial screening, a full assessment, and the DUI Home Confinement Intensive Treatment Program, with more sessions than track two, as needed. The offender is then eligible for review upon successful completion of the program. The average release is three to four months after sentencing.
• Track four offenders are believed to have a high risk of recidivism. This track includes an initial screening, a full assessment, and intensive treatment because of multiple risk factors that would otherwise render the offender unsuitable for DUI Home Confinement release. The average release is six months after sentencing.

Once the recommended treatment is completed, the offender may be recommended for DUI Home Confinement release.

How Does the Program Work?

An offender who completes the program is typically required to remain in his or her own home or another designated residence, like a halfway house or sober house, whenever he or she is not at work or participating in a pre-approved treatment program. Anyone in the program is subject to compliance checks by the DUI Parole Unit. No alcohol or illegal substances may be consumed; if it is found that a participant in the program has consumed alcohol or illegal substances, he or she may be taken immediately back to prison.  

Contact a Fairfield County, CT DUI Lawyer

When you choose an experienced Stamford, CT DUI attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner, you have taken an important first step toward a better outcome for your DUI charges. Our attorney has the knowledge and skills necessary to mount a vigorous defense on your behalf. Call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.