Were You Recently Charged With DUI?
If you or a loved one was recently charged with driving under the influence in the Chicago area, it’s vital to understand the DUI laws that apply to your case. The state of Illinois has specific regulations in place for every level of intoxicated driving offense as well as protocols for DUI stops.
Understanding all of the statutes regarding DUI offenses can be difficult without a legal background, making it important that you contact an attorney. Your lawyer will understand Illinois DUI laws and can advise you of your options at each stage of the legal process.
The consequences of an intoxicated driving conviction can impact nearly every area of your life. Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI or a repeat offense, enlisting an attorney is an important step toward achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Understanding Illinois DUI Laws
Illinois harshly punishes even first-time offenders who are found guilty of violating DUI laws, and penalties typically become more serious with subsequent convictions. Driving under the influence laws in the state designate the following offenses:
- First-time DUI. If this is your first DUI charge you may be subject fines, a license suspension and other penalties, depending on the circumstances of your case. First-time offenders typically do not have to serve significant jail time, though a judge can issue a sentence.
- Second DUI. Second DUI charges are not generally looked upon well in court and those convicted can face hefty fines, jail time, license suspension and other possible penalties.
- Aggravated DUI. An aggravated offense is typically charged when the court views an incident as being especially serious, such as heightened BAC levels. Conviction of an aggravated DUI often involves potentially life-changing penalties.
- Felony DUI. Felony-level charges may be filed beginning with a third offense as well as cases in which an allegedly intoxicated driver causes injury in an accident or other serious circumstances apply.
In addition to outlining intoxicated driving offenses under which drivers may be charged, Illinois DUI laws also feature provisions relating to how offenders are prosecuted and punished. For example, implied consent laws require that motorists submit to chemical blood alcohol level tests. The state’s statutory summary suspension law addresses the administrative suspension of driving privileges.
