DUI and Criminal Charges in Illinois

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs in Illinois can carry harsh penalties that include fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. The repercussions of this conviction vary depending on the number of offenses by the defendant and the severity of the situation. The level of offense ranges from first to sixth offense. Every level carries a legal classification (misdemeanor, felony, etc.), monetary fines, and punishment from the court consisting of probation, community service, or jail time. If a death occurs as a result of a DUI, the sentence will automatically include jail time and a permanent criminal record. This will follow the defendant forever and could harm his chances for employment.

In every case, the penalties are much worse if the accused has no license, no insurance, an especially high blood alcohol level, or is driving with a passenger under the age of 16. Criminal charges will be stricter and more costly.

Most drivers depend upon their cars for transportation to work, school, and personal activities. A DUI conviction could result in the loss of the defendant’s vehicle or the mandatory installation at the cost of the defendant of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), which can be annoying and difficult to explain to passengers.

Officers in Illinois can stop drivers who are driving erratically and can give field sobriety tests if they have probable cause that the driver is impaired. If the defendant fails the field tests, the officer will arrest him and transport him to the police station, where the defendant will submit to chemical testing. The defendant’s car can be impounded.

Many times individuals will drive after drinking because they don’t feel drunk and think they are capable of operating a vehicle. The truth is, as little as three drinks in one hour can classify a driver as drunk according to their blood alcohol level.

Fighting a DUI in Illinois can quickly become complicated. It is important for the defendant to retain the expertise of a lawyer who specializes in traffic related defenses. Attorneys have vast knowledge of the legal system, statutes, how to plead, and what evidence is admissible in court. The experience of an attorney is invaluable when faced with stiff fines or the loss of freedom to incarceration.