Study Ranks Illinois as One of the Toughest States on DUIs

 Posted on April 11, 2017 in DUI

Statistics indicate that almost 39,000 drivers were arrested for a DUI in Illinois during 2014, the most recent year for which statistics are available. That number, as well as the method that Illinois uses to reprimand their drunk drivers, has earned Illinois a five-star rating with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a national organization that combats drunk driving issues. Now a new study has ranked Illinois as one of the toughest states, overall, on those who choose to drive intoxicated. What does this mean for you, and what you can you do if you are arrested for a DUI? The following explains.

How Illinois' Rankings May Impact You

MADD and the most recent study both gave their rankings by examining various aspects of drunk driving in Illinois, including the number of DUI accidents, the number of DUI-related fatalities, measures that law enforcement takes to prevent drunk driving accidents and deaths, and how the law handles drunk drivers once they are caught. More specifically, Illinois received its ranking because it utilizes DUI tactics, laws, and countermeasures like:

• Requiring breath alcohol interlock ignition (BAIID) devices upon first conviction;
• Numerous and frequent sobriety checkpoints;
• Minimum six-month suspension period for convictions;
• Enhanced penalties for drunk driving with minor children in the vehicle;
• Additional penalties for refusing sobriety testing;
• Summary license suspensions for all DUIs (including first DUIs);
• Administrative penalties; and
• Permanent license revocations for repeat offenders.

What does this mean for you? It means that you must act quickly after a DUI arrest. Failure to take immediate action can result in an automatic conviction, which will cause your license to be either suspended or revoked. Getting it back is not easy. There is a probationary period to complete, fees to pay, and other requirements that must be met prior to the reinstatement of your license. In other words, the best option is to avoid having it suspended or revoked in the first place.

You Have the Right to Fight Back

Although the arresting officer may not be keen to tell you that you do have rights, such as the right to request an attorney at the time of your arrest or the right to contest the charges, you do, in fact, have them. Exercise them. Do not simply accept a DUI charge. Fight back with help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we strive for the most favorable outcome possible in every case. Experienced and aggressive, we can fight for you. Learn more about how our Plainfield DUI defense lawyers can assist with your case. Call 815-733-5350 and schedule your personalized consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.mystateline.com/news/study-finds-illinois-as-one-of-best-states-dealing-with-dui/694991140

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/DUI/stats.html

http://www.rrstar.com/article/20140109/NEWS/140109545