The Connecticut Appellate Court has upheld the conviction of Charles Alcenat for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and drugs. The court ruled on July 14, 2026, affirming the jury's decision that found Alcenat guilty based on evidence presented during his trial. This ruling impacts Alcenat, who now faces the consequences of his conviction, including probation and a fine.
The case arose after Alcenat was arrested in November 2020 following a series of erratic driving behaviors observed by police. The court's decision highlights the importance of evidence in DUI cases and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Background
Charles Alcenat was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (OUI) in violation of General Statutes § 14-227a (a) (1). The incident leading to his arrest occurred on November 5, 2020, when Officer Shannon Murphy of the Manchester Police Department noticed Alcenat's vehicle parked in a Dollar General lot with its engine running. After observing several traffic violations, including erratic driving and failure to obey signals, Officer Murphy initiated a stop.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence of Alcenat's erratic driving, his performance on field sobriety tests, and his refusal to take a chemical test after his arrest. Alcenat's defense claimed that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction and that the trial court made several errors, including denying his motion to suppress evidence obtained during the stop.
The Ruling
The Connecticut Appellate Court, led by Judge Moll and joined by Judges Westbrook and Wilson, affirmed the trial court's judgment. The court found that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support Alcenat's conviction. The ruling stated, "The evidence was sufficient to support the defendant’s conviction, as the jury reasonably could have determined that the cumulative force of the evidence established beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor and drugs while operating his motor vehicle."
The court also upheld the trial court's decision to deny Alcenat's motion to suppress evidence related to his behavior leading up to the arrest. The judges concluded that Officer Murphy had reasonable suspicion to stop Alcenat based on the multiple traffic violations she observed.
Impact
This ruling reinforces the legal standards for DUI cases in Connecticut, emphasizing that juries can infer intoxication from a combination of factors, including erratic driving and refusal to take sobriety tests. The court's decision clarifies that the evidence presented during the trial met the burden of proof required for a conviction under the state's OUI laws.
Going forward, this case may serve as a reference for similar DUI cases, as it illustrates how courts evaluate the sufficiency of evidence in determining whether a defendant was under the influence while operating a vehicle. It highlights the importance of police observations and the legality of traffic stops in DUI investigations.
What's Next
Alcenat has the option to appeal the decision to the Connecticut Supreme Court, but details regarding any potential appeal or related cases were not available in the court filing. His conviction currently stands, and he must comply with the sentencing terms imposed by the trial court.