Illinois DUI Consequences
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Even if you’ve only been driving for a short while, you are probably aware of the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI); however, if you are like most motorists, you may not understand how it is legally defined. Unfortunately, this puts you at risk anytime you get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol—and if you are an Illinois driver, you will face a number of Illinois DUI consequences as a result.
From a legal perspective, any driver who is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can face criminal DUI charges—regardless of his or her ability to drive. What’s more, even if it’s your first offense, your driving privileges could be suspended for a year or more, and a fine of $2,500 may also be imposed. In some cases, you could even spend up to a year behind bars.
Although driving with a BAC of 0.08% or more is enough to warrant your arrest, you will face even tougher sentencing guidelines if you had an excessive amount of alcohol in your system at the time you were charged. Under state law, an additional $500 fine and six-month jail sentence may be imposed if you were caught driving with a BAC of 0.16% or more.
On the other hand, if you are a repeat offender (meaning you have a prior DUI conviction on your record), a second offense carries a mandatory jail sentence, up to 240 hours of community service, and a minimum five-year license suspension—regardless of your BAC. You can also expect to be fined up to $2,500 for a second conviction, as well as face an additional $1,250 fee if you were caught driving with a BAC above 0.16%.
You should know that, after two prior DUI convictions, any subsequent charge will be classified as a felony offense. This means you will face the most severe possible sentencing requirements—including a three-year jail sentence and a ten-year license suspension (and keep in mind that these are just the minimum penalties). As a convicted felon, you may also lose numerous personal liberties, such as your right to vote, purchase a firearm, and obtain a passport.
Along with your court-imposed sentence, a DUI conviction can have long-term effects on your future. Because your conviction will remain on your criminal record long after your arrest, anyone who performs a background check will see that you were convicted of drunk driving, which can jeopardize countless employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
You can also expect to pay much more for auto insurance due to your conviction. For example, many companies charge convicted DUI offenders two to three times more for coverage—and in many cases, it will be years before your rates will be reduced.
Fortunately, being arrested for DUI does not mean you will be found guilty of the offense. To find out how you can avoid may of the consequences listed above, submit your information online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.
