Protecting Your Rights Under The Law
Regardless of the fact that you have been charged with a felony DUI offense and regardless of the circumstances that have led to that charge, you have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. Among your legal protections is the right to a lawyer. From the beginning of your case to the moment it ends, you may have an attorney advocating for you before the court.
If you are being charged with felony DUI under Illinois driving under the influence laws, perhaps never before have you so been so much in need of the counsel of a lawyer. Your liberties are at stake, making it vital that you secure the representation that you need.
Penalties For Felony DUI Offenses
Felony DUI offenses, listed in order of least serious to most serious, and their corresponding penalties include:
- Class 4. A conviction typically leads to imprisonment for 1¬¬–3 years. An offense that involves injury can result in imprisonment of 1–12 years and a fine of up to $25,000. A Class 4 felony DUI that involves bodily harm to a child under the age of 16 also includes, in addition to the aforementioned penalties, a mandatory fine of $2,500 and 25 days of community service.
- Class 3. This offense may lead to imprisonment for 2–5 years and a fine of up to $25,000.
- Class 2. Imprisonment of 3–7 years and a fine of up to $25,000 may result from this conviction. An offense that incurs a death can result in imprisonment of 3–24 years and a fine of up to $25,000. A Class 2 aggravated DUI that results in bodily harm to a child under the age of 16 also includes, in addition to the aforementioned penalties, a mandatory fine of $5,000 and 25 days of community service.
- Class 1. This conviction can lead to imprisonment for 4–15 years and a fine of up to $25,000. A Class 1 aggravated DUI that results in bodily harm to a child under the age of 16 also includes, in addition to the aforementioned penalties, a mandatory fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service.
- Class X. Being found guilty of this offense can lead to imprisonment of 6–30 years and a fine of up to $25,000. A Class X aggravated DUI that results in bodily harm to a child under the age of 16 also includes, in addition to the aforementioned penalties, a mandatory fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service.
Felony DUI offenses are also known as aggravated driving under the influence incidents and are typically reserved for the most serious drunk driving situations.
Contesting Intoxicated Driving Charges
All driving under the influence charges are serious, but those charged as felony DUI could be especially devastating if a court finds you guilty. The consequences of such an offense can go well beyond the fines and other punishments that are called for by the law.
With so much on the line, it is very important to seek the services of an attorney who can help defend you against the state’s charges. Having a lawyer by your side represents your best chance of escaping a conviction or having the charges against you reduced.
