Consequences of an Illinois DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in every state. In recent decades, all around the nation, punishments have gotten more and more severe for DUI convictions. Recently the State of Illinois has passed laws to restrict the driving of people convicted by a DUI even further.

In Illinois, as with many other states, the severity of punishment for a DUI conviction depends on the circumstances and the person’s history. First-time DUI offenders, for example, will have a minimum one-year suspension of their driver’s license and can face jail time up to one year, minimum 100 hours of community service, and fines up to $2,500.

Beginning in 2009, all people convicted of a first-offense DUI in the State of Illinois must install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in their car. These are very similar to the breath alcohol detectors police use (‘breathalyzers’), except that they are connected to the vehicle’s ignition. When entering a vehicle equipped with a BAIID, it is necessary to breathe into the device first. If your blood alcohol level is above the legal limit, the car will not start.

For repeat offenders, the punishments become even more severe. In addition to the punishments for a first conviction, a second DUI conviction results in a minimum 5 year license suspension and either 5 days mandatory jail time or 240 hours of mandatory community service. Further convictions result in more serious felony charges and can result in 3 or more years of jail time. In addition, all these punishments are made more severe if there is a minor under 16 in the vehicle or if the convicted person’s blood alcohol content exceeds 0.16 percent.

Contact Us

Being charged with a DUI is not the end of the world. The experienced Champaign DUI attorneys of Bruno Law Offices can help you defend your rights. In many cases, a lawyer can help you reduce the impact of a conviction on your life – reduction of the charges and lesser punishments are possible. For a free consultation with an experienced DUI attorney, contact the lawyers of Bruno Law Offices today at (217) 328-6000.