The True Impact of a DUI Conviction

 Posted on June 30, 2020 in DUI

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can seriously impact a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Because of this, the potential ramifications of a DUI conviction are significant. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, it is important to act quickly. The most important step you can take when facing DUI charges is hiring an experienced legal professional that you can believe in.

The Legal Consequences

In the state of Illinois, a DUI conviction constitutes a Class A misdemeanor charge. If convicted, the guilty party may face up to one year in prison, as well as fines up to $2,500. A first-time DUI offender will likely have the choice of spending a mandatory ten days in jail or 30 days of community service hours. The offender will also face a one-year license revocation period. A conviction of this magnitude can result in job loss, depending on the party’s occupation.

The Cost of a Conviction

Outside of the legal ramifications of a DUI conviction, a DUI can cost a person financially.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, the average cost of a DUI conviction is just over $18,000. First and foremost, general court costs in the state of Illinois average $3,500 in DUI cases. Those convicted will also have to enroll in rehabilitation courses that can cost hundreds. Even after all this, the driver will have to pay for high-risk auto insurance that will add an average of $1,500 to their annual insurance costs.

If the convicted party wants to regain their driving privileges through a Monitoring Device Driving Permit, they will have to pay for the installation and monitoring of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). The average annual cost of a BAIID is right around $1,420. In order to reinstate their license fully at the conclusion of the revocation process, the driver will likely have to pay hundreds of dollars in reinstatement fees. The loss of income related to a DUI conviction can vary greatly depending on the person’s community service program, potential jail time, and whether or not they were able to remain employed.

Contact a Naperville DUI Defense Attorney

Attorney Patricia Magaña fully understands the way in which a DUI conviction can change a person’s life. With that in mind, her aggressive defense strategies are designed to avoid a conviction altogether. When facing DUI charges, it is critically important to hire an attorney that will fight on your behalf. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with an experienced DuPage County criminal defense attorney, call us today at 630-448-2001.

Sources:

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