Illinois Takes Huge Stand Against Drunken Drivers

The State of Illinois takes drunk driving very seriously, and any driver who is convicted of charges faces tough penalties. In the year 2002, more than 51,000 Illinois drivers were charged with drunk driving.

For a driver's first DUI conviction, motorists can lose their driver's license for at least one year as well as face jail time for a year. Motorists can also expect a $1,000 fine. If a motorist receives a second DUI charge, the penalities are even harsher. If the DUI charge was received within 20 years of the first driving charge, a motorist will lose his or her driver's license for three years. If the DUI was within five years of the first charge, the motorist could receive two days in jail or mandatory community service. The driver may also go to prison for a year and will have to pay a $1,000 fine.

A third DUI conviction hurts motorists the most. A driver will face at least 6 years without a driver's license and three years in prison. The driver can expect to pay a whopping $10,000 fine on top of that.

Blood alcohol concentration also comes into play with DUI charges. If a driver has a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more on a first conviction, he or she will have automatically lose a driver's license for three months. Drivers who do not submit to a blood alcohol concentration test can expect to automatically be without a driver's license for six months. If a driver is pulled over on any other suspicions of drunken driving after a first offense, he or she will automatically lose their license for a year whether their blood alcohol content is greater than .08 or if they do not submit to a blood alcohol concentration test.

Those who are passengers with an intoxicated driver also face charges. A passenger who allows a drunken driver to operate a vehicle could face a year in prison and will have to pay a $1,000 fine.

If you have recently received a driving under the influence charge, we can help you fight the charges against you. Contact us to schedule a consultation. Protect your driving record today.