After being arrested for DUI in Illinois, it is natural to be concerned about the possible penalties you face, if you plead guilty or are convicted by a jury. At the Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley in Rolling Meadows, we talk to people every day who are facing DWI charges for the first time in their lives, or have been arrested before. Below is a brief outline of the possible penalties you face under Illinois law.
Of course, these penalties are the maximum you face. Our firm works aggressively with the prosecutor to find alternatives to a DUI conviction or worst case penalties. No matter what you may have heard about DUI charges, don't assume anything. Contact us for a free consultation to evaluate the circumstances of your case.
Illinois Rules of the Road Are Tough on DUI. Call Us if You Have Been Charged.
(Note: All penalties listed below increase significantly if you were with a minor under the age of 16 in your car at the time of the arrest.)
First offense DUI, you face up to:
One year jail, $2,500 fine, one year DL suspension, one year car interlock, 100 hours service, suspended vehicle registration
Second offense DUI, you face up to:
One year jail, five days or 240 hours service mandatory, $2,500 fine, minimum five years DL suspension, suspended registration
Aggravated DUI (Third DUI conviction within 20 years)
The Illinois Secretary of State's Office publishes the following information and penalties for DUI in its publication, Illinois 2011 DUI Fact Book*:
Any DUI offense resulting in felony charges is classified as aggravated DUI. Any
mandatory term of imprisonment or community service is not subject to suspension
or reduction. Any person sentenced to probation or conditional discharge also must
serve a minimum 480 hours of community service or 10 days imprisonment.
Third conviction (Class 2 felony)
- Revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of 10 years; suspension of vehicle registration
- If committed with BAC of .16 or more — In addition to any other criminal or
administrative sanctions, mandatory imprisonment of 90 days and mandatory
minimum fine of $2,500. - If committed while transporting a child under age 16 — In addition to any other
criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory fine of $25,000 and 25 days of
community service in a program benefiting children.
Fourth conviction (Class 2 felony)
- Revocation of driving privileges for life with no relief available;
suspension of vehicle registration. If committed with a BAC of .16 or more — In addition to any other criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory minimum fine of $5,000. - If committed while transporting a child under age 16 — In addition to any other criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children.
Fifth conviction (Class 1 felony)
- Revocation of driving privileges for life with no relief available;
suspension of vehicle registration - If committed with a BAC of .16 or more — In addition to any other criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory minimum fine of $5,000.
- If committed while transporting a child under age 16 — In addition to any other criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children.
Sixth or subsequent conviction (aggravated DUI)
- Class X felony; revocation of driving privileges for life with no relief available;
suspension of vehicle registration - If committed with a BAC of .16 or more — In addition to any other criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory minimum fine of $5,000.
- If committed while transporting a child under age 16 — In addition to any other criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children.
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Learn more about Illinois DUI penalties. The right lawyer will make a difference in the outcome of your case. From offices in Rolling Meadows, the Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley represents clients in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Illinois, and communities throughout the greater metropolitan Chicago area. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Rolling Meadows DUI defense attorney today.
*http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf
