What Are the Penalties for DUI Convictions in Illinois?

 Posted on February 10, 2020 in DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is always dangerous, and it can lead to victims being injured or killed in car accidents. Drunk driving can lead to many serious punishments, even for a first offense, including loss of driving privileges, prison time, and costly fines. Drivers who are convicted of multiple DUIs may face felony charges. The state of Illinois has a "Zero Tolerance" law for minors -- those under the legal drinking age of 21 years -- who drive impaired. This means that an underage driver who is caught driving with any trace of alcohol in his or her system can be charged with DUI, even if his or her BAC is less than .08 percent. As for adults, multiple DUI convictions carry even harsher criminal penalties.

DUI Punishments for First and Subsequent Offenses

First and second DUI convictions are charged as a Class A misdemeanor, but first offenders are given less harsh punishments than second offenders. For a first DUI conviction, a driver will face revocation of their license for one year, possible community service hours (100 in total), and fines up to $2,500, depending on the nature of the offense.

Second DUI convictions are given punishments of mandatory prison time of five days or 240 hours of community service. On top of that, drivers will have their license revoked for five years if their second conviction falls within 20 years of their first.

Subsequent DUI convictions are classified as aggravated DUIs and are punished by:

• Third conviction: A Class 2 felony punished with revocation of driving privileges for 10 years. Depending on the nature of the offense, drivers could also face a prison term of up to 90 days and fines up to $25,000.

• Fourth conviction: A Class 2 felony punished with permanent revocation of driving privileges and possible fines up to $25,000.

• Fifth conviction: A Class 1 felony punished with permanent revocation of driving privileges and possible fines up to $25,000.

• Sixth conviction: A Class X felony punished with permanent revocation of driving privileges and possible fines up to $25,000.

Whenever a child is a passenger during a DUI incident, the driver may also be required to complete a certain amount of community service hours with an organization that benefits children.

Other Consequences Resulting from DUI

Unfortunately, drivers who travel impaired may not notice other motorists sharing the road, and devastating collisions can occur. If a victim is killed after being hit by a drunk driver, the offense will be charged as reckless homicide. If convicted, the driver will face a minimum of two years in prison and possibly more, depending on the circumstances of the incident. 

Drivers convicted of DUI can face many other consequences to their life, such as the following:

• A DUI conviction stays on a driver’s permanent record.

• The driver could miss work if he or she cannot drive and possibly lose his or her job.

• The driver may be required to drive with a restricted license and/or utilize a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID).

• The driver may be required to carry high-risk auto insurance for three years.

• The driver can have his or her vehicle registration suspended.

A DUI offender can also see his or her car impounded if he or she drives drunk without insurance, without a valid license, while his or her driver's license is suspended, or with a previous reckless homicide conviction.

Contact a Joliet, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

Driving drunk is never a good idea, because it can lead to serious ramifications, including fatal accidents. However, depending on the circumstances of the traffic stop, a driver may face charges that are based on insufficient evidence or improper police procedures. The skilled legal team from the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help defend against any charges that violate a driver’s rights. To schedule a free consultation with our diligent Will County DUI defense lawyers, call our office today at 815-666-1285.

Source:

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