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DUI in Illinois: Criminal Penalties for First and Second Offenses
Law enforcement in Illinois is serious about preventing drinking and driving. Anyone facing DUI charges, whether for a first offense or multiple, should be aware of the potential consequences.
December 24, 2011 /Law and Legal PR News/ -- DUI in Illinois: Criminal Penalties for First and Second Offenses
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. Additionally, the most recent national statistics show that alcohol was involved in over 30 percent of all fatal accidents.
These statistics, among others, help to explain why police and prosecutors have been cracking down on DWI and DUI offenses. As a result, it is important to understand that the penalties associated with a DUI conviction can be quite severe even for someone with no criminal record and an otherwise clean driving record.
DUI Penalties in Illinois
The Illinois State Police knows that good people make mistakes, but that even good people are capable of causing great damage.
Drinking and driving is typically not done intentionally, but it nevertheless seriously injures or kills hundreds of people each year in Illinois. Congress has responded by passing laws aimed at deterring future offenses and penalizing those who are ultimately convicted of a DUI. For example, potential penalties for a first DUI conviction include:
-One-year license revocation
-Possible imprisonment of up to one year
-Up to a $2,500 fine
-Alcohol counseling course(s)
The penalties increase in severity as a person obtains multiple DUI convictions or other alcohol related offenses. For example, someone facing their second DUI charge might face a minimum five-year loss of driving privileges and a mandatory five days behind bars. If someone is facing a third or fourth conviction -- class 2 and 4 felonies, respectively -- then they face much harsher penalties. For example, penalties for a third DUI conviction include:
-Minimum 10-year loss of full driving privileges
-Mandatory 18 to 30 month periodic imprisonment
-Possible imprisonment for up to seven years
-Fine up to $25,000
Protect Your Rights
DUI convictions can drastically affect a person's life, so it is recommended for anyone facing DUI charges to consult a qualified criminal defense attorney. Experienced DUI defense lawyers will dive into your case, analyzing whether there was probable cause for the initial traffic stop, whether police followed proper procedure, as well as whether any of your rights were violated. Be sure to protect your rights and speak with a professional about your legal options.
Article provided by Albert L. Wysocki, A Professional Corporation
Visit us at www.albertwysocki.com/
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