Although it’s common to hear people get DUIs left and right, its various penalties may not be common knowledge. It’s usually not until you find yourself in that situation that you wonder what it entails and what consequences you might face.
This informative piece will explain what a DUI is, how serious its consequences are and what the most common penalties are. That way, you’ll be far more prepared for when a possible trial happens. Let’s dive in!
What’s DUI?
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence and is a criminal offense in most states. DUI offenses are defined as when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, with dangerous effects on the ability to drive safely.
DUI also includes related charges, including driving with a blood-alcohol concentration over the legal limit or refusing a chemical sobriety test. The consequences of DUI vary from license suspension to fines and even jail time.
Unfortunately, DUI incidents are all too common and can have serious lifelong impacts on individuals and their families.
How Serious Are The Consequences Of A DUI?
DUI offenses in Illinois are taken incredibly seriously and, as such, come with a wide range of hefty penalties that aim to discourage people from repeating DUI offenses and punish those harshly who are found guilty.
If a DUI offense is committed for the first time, potential sentencing can include jail time of up to one year, an enormous fine ranging anywhere from $2,500 -$25,000, substance abuse evaluation and treatment or DUI classes, community service hours, and license suspension.
DUI offenses become even more severe if someone is caught multiple times. Higher fines result in longer sentences that can exceed six months; in some cases, offenders may find their licenses permanently revoked.
Though DUI convictions can have significant consequences no matter the state, it’s important to remember that Illinois has particularly harsh penalties for making roads and highways safer for everyone who uses them.
Most Common Penalties Faced When Being Charged With A DUI
The penalties for a DUI in the state of Illinois will vary depending on many factors, such as:
- If you have previous DUI offenses or not
- Your BAC level (blood alcohol content)
- If there was a minor in the vehicle during the incident
- A factor that might aggravate your situation (driving with a suspended or expired license, having a car accident, and causing damage or injuries to yourself or others)
- Other specific factors in your case
The Penalties Could Be:
- Jail/Imprisonment (will vary from 1 day to 15 years depending on how many times you’ve been charged with a DUI, after the 3rd time, it’s considered a felony.
- Supervision can go up to 2 years if it’s your 1st offense; after that 1st offense, you are typically no longer eligible for supervision.
- Fines can go from $2,500 to $25,000, depending on your case.
Charged With A DUI? Here’s How Courtney Anderson Can Help!
Courtney Anderson is the criminal defense lawyer that DUI offenders in Illinois should turn to for their legal counsel. She is a top DUI defense attorney in the area. She is known for her hardworking and compassionate approach to DUI cases.
With a strong commitment to obtaining justice for her clients and extensive courtroom experience, Courtney will work tirelessly to craft the best possible DUI offense strategy for every case. She’s the answer for your constant online searches for “criminal defense attorney near me”.
She also strives to ensure that people facing DUI charges fully understand their rights as citizens and feel supported throughout every step of their DUI court process. Make sure your DUI case isn’t left to chance – trust it only to the capable hands of Courtney Anderson.