Penalties for an Aggravated DUI in Illinois

 Posted on December 30, 2019 in DUI

Every year, thousands of people are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, throughout the state of Illinois. According to Illinois state law, a first-time DUI conviction constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor. Along with the criminal charge, a conviction will likely lead to significant fines and serious rises in insurance rates. Recognizing this, all DUI charges should be taken seriously, but some can come with harsher criminal punishment. If you have been charged with an aggravated DUI, it is time to seek out the help of a trained legal professional.

What Is an Aggravated DUI?

An aggravated DUI is a DUI charge that is elevated in severity due to the presence of any number of aggravating factors. These aggravating factors can include being charged with a DUI in which severe bodily harm was caused, the DUI was committed without a proper driver’s license or a DUI charge in which the offender had previously been convicted of a DUI.

In all of these instances, the charges will be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony charge. The type of felony will vary depending on the aggravating factors. For instance, a third DUI charge automatically constitutes a Class 2 felony charge. In a DUI case in which someone was greatly harmed, the driver would be charged with a Class 4 felony charge, resulting in much more severe potential criminal punishment.

Contact a DuPage County DUI Defense Attorney

One mistake should not change someone’s life forever. Unfortunately, a DUI conviction can come with life-changing ramifications. Here in the state of Illinois, the average DUI costs approximately 18,000 in court fees, fines, and missed work time. That fails to factor in the potential impact of rises in insurance rates and increased difficulty securing employment.

Recognizing the way in which a DUI can permanently alter a person’s life, Attorney Patricia Magana is prepared to do everything in her power to avoid a conviction. In DUI cases in which aggravating factors are present, Attorney Magaña will fight to have the charges lowered to a misdemeanor if a conviction is unavoidable. Understanding that people from any background can be charged with a DUI, Attorney Magaña is proud to offer bilingual consultations to Spanish speaking clients. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, act today by contacting an experienced Naperville criminal defense attorney, at 630-448-2001.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf