DUI Penalties In Illinois

More than 30,000 DUI arrests occur now every year in Illinois, but that doesn’t mean more than 30,000 DUI convictions. Good DUI lawyers win cases for their Chicago-area clients in several ways. Of course, it’s possible to win in a trial, but you have no way to know because anyone might be selected to serve on a jury. To avoid a risky trial, your DUI lawyer may want to negotiate your case directly with the prosecutor. Even if you don’t really have a good case, an experienced Chicago DUI defense lawyer can usually advance something helpful on your behalf, possibly reducing your sentence or the charge against you. These are the possible penalties for a DUI conviction in Illinois, provided you did not also do something that causes you to be charged with felony aggravated DUI:

1. For a first offense, up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, a minimum one-year driver’s license suspension, and required installation of an interlock ignition device (IID).

2. For a second offense, up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, a minimum five-year driver’s license suspension, and required installation of an IID.

3. For a third offense, three to seven years in jail, a of fine up to $2,500, a minimum ten-year driver’s license suspension, and required installation of an IID.

Third and subsequent DUIs are charged as felonies. A number of factors can cause a misdemeanor DUI to be charged as a felony aggravated DUI, such as causing property damage or personal injuries, driving a school bus or a taxi, speeding or driving recklessly, or driving on a suspended license. You can also face additional penalties for refusing to take a chemical DUI test. If you are accused of driving under the influence anywhere in the Chicago area, do not plead guilty, do not try to act as your own lawyer, and do not lose hope. A prosecutor still must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Call an experienced Chicago DUI defense lawyer and get the legal help you need as quickly as possible.