What are the Penalties for a DUI Arrest in Illinois?

 Posted on March 14, 2019 in DUI

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, Illinois police arrested 27,046 people on DUI charges throughout 2017. Law enforcement is always looking for signs of inebriated driving, from driving at erratic speeds to swerving from lane to lane. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be life-changing, with possible incarceration, substantial fines, and difficulty securing employment or housing. 

If you have been charged with DUI, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable legal team as soon as possible. 

Consequences of a DUI Conviction 

In Illinois, DUI convictions come with severe legal ramifications. Even a first-time DUI offender can be harshly punished for a conviction. A first-time DUI conviction is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to one year in jail and potential fines up to $2,500. 

It is important to note that a first-time DUI arrest can be elevated to an aggravated DUI for a variety of circumstances. An offender can be charged with an aggravated DUI if they have no liability insurance, are arrested while driving with a revoked or suspended license, or if they injure a person in a collision. An aggravated DUI conviction constitutes a Class 2, 3 or 4 felony and a minimum prison sentence of one year. 

If a person is convicted of multiple DUIs, the legal consequences increase with each offense. While a second DUI is still classified as a Class A misdemeanor, subsequent convictions can result in increased fines and substantial incarceration. A third conviction is a Class 2 felony and results in a minimum prison sentence of three years, with fines of up to $25,000. A fourth DUI conviction results in a loss of driving privileges for life, and potentially more than seven years in prison.

Contact a Naperville DUI Defense Lawyer

A DUI can come with serious legal penalties. A criminal conviction can severely impact your employability and child custody. With over a decade of legal experience within the state of Illinois, Attorney Patricia Magaña is prepared to aggressively defend you against any conviction. Additionally, Attorney Magaña offers bilingual consultations to Spanish speaking clients. To schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled DuPage County criminal defense attorney, contact our team today at 630-448-2001. 

Sources:

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

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html