Illinois DUI FAQ

What is DUI?
In Illinois, DUI is defined as “driving under the influence” and includes operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication on Illinois roads.
What are the Illinois DUI limits?
In Illinois, your DUI status depends on your license and age. Drivers under the age of 21 are considered DUI if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding 0.00%. Commercial driver’s licenses are DUI if they exceed 0.04%, and other drivers are DUI if their BAC is 0.08% or over. However, an Illinois officer may arrest you for DUI if your blood alcohol content is 0.04% or more. BACs of 0.16 or more face especially high penalties in Illinois.
What are the consequences of a DUI?
DUI penalties vary from potential jail time to heavy penalties and fines, community service, driver education, drug testing, license and registration revocation, and loss of driving privileges. However, these penalties depend on the severity of the offense and the driver’s history of past DUIs.
What is aggravated DUI?
Aggravated DUI is a DUI combined with another offense, such as transporting a minor while under the influence, driving without a license, exceeding the speed limit, causing another person bodily harm, or leaving the scene of an accident. The penalties for aggravated DUI can vary, but are generally more severe than for straight DUI offenses.
What is involuntary manslaughter?
If you are involved in a fatal car crash while driving under the influence, you can be charged with involuntary manslaughter (causing someone’s death unintentionally). This offense can increase your DUI penalties in Illinois.
Who commits DUI?
In Illinois, all kinds of drivers commit DUI. However, statistics show that only 19 percent of convicted drunk drivers in Illinois are women. Men from ages 21 to 24 have the highest incidence of DUI. In addition, a good 80 to 90 percent of DUI arrests are first-time offenders.
Do I have to take a blood test?
In Illinois, implied consent laws force every driver to consent to a blood or chemical test to determine blood alcohol content at any time. You may refuse; however, your license will be immediately suspended.
I was accused of DUI. What do I do now?
Don’t go it along. Statistics show that unrepresented drivers get DUI convictions the vast majority of the time. Contact us today so we can help protect your rights.
Why do I need a DUI lawyer?
Your DUI attorney knows the system inside and out and can navigate its often complicated twists and turns on your behalf. Since your likelihood of prevailing without the help of the right lawyer is extremely slim, it makes sense to arm yourself with an experienced, competent, and aggressive DUI attorney with a good track record.
Where can I find out more?
Call us today or fill out the contact form on the right for a confidential case consultation.