Can a Connecticut Prosecutor Just Drop the DUI Charges?

In theory, yes; in practice, not too often because Connecticut General Statute Section 14-227a (f) says in part: “the charge may not be reduced, nolled or dismissed unless the prosecuting authority states in open court such prosecutor’s reasons for the reduction, nolle or dismissal.”

Because of this language in Connecticut’s operation under the influence statute, prosecutors rarely throw out a DUI case. About the only time is when we can convince the prosecutor that there is a technical problem with the arrest or the test results and that a motion to suppress or motion to dismiss would be granted. In short, it is a rare case where a Connecticut prosecutor simply drops the charges in a DUI prosecution.