Illinois DUI Laws Overview

What is an Illinois DUI? What are the consequences? Here’s a brief overview of DUI in Illinois:

The Crime

DUI (driving under the influence) is defined as a person operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to Illinois DUI law, any person with more than 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC) is considered DUI. If you refuse to take a BAC test, a police officer may still arrest you for DUI, even if his only evidence is that he believes you are under the influence of alcohol.

The Punishment

A DUI arrest is just the beginning for many drivers, who may face license suspension, potential jail time, heavy fines, and more as punishment for their crime. Illinois DUI consequences vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the person arrested.

• Drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 immediately lose their driving privileges if found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.00 or higher.
• Drivers age 21 years and older can face immediate license suspension, hefty fines, mandatory drivers’ education or community service, and even mandatory jail time depending on the severity of the offense. Note: The consequences vary widely depending on the offense.
• Drivers who possess commercial driver’s licenses can face immediate license suspension if they drive with a BAC of over 0.04%.
• Other factors that can influence the severity of a DUI case: accidents, passengers, injuries

Your Defense

Bottom line: if you’re facing an Illinois DUI conviction, BE PROACTIVE. The right Illinois DUI lawyer can fight for your rights and save your driving privileges. Statistics show that unrepresented drivers get DUI convictions the vast majority of the time. Don’t let this happen to you. Call us today or fill out the contact form on the right for a FREE, confidential case consultation.