DUI Laws in Illinois

 Posted on April 12, 2013 in DUI/DWI

Each state has different laws regarding driving under the influence. While some rules do vary across the nation, many of the punishments do not. In Illinois, to be considered intoxicated while driving for citizens 21 or older, their blood alcohol contact has to be at .08%. If you are under the age of 21, if there is any alcohol in your system, you can be charged with a DUI.

For your 1st offense, in Illinois, you can get either jail-time of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,500, a license suspension for a minimum of a year, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device, vehicle registration suspension, or community service. However, if there is a child under the age of 16 in the car, you can get jail-time of at least six months, or a minimum fine of $1,000.

If the DUI was your 2nd offense, it is possible to get jail-time for a year along with 240 hours of community service. There can be a fine of up to $2,500. If there was child present under the age of 16, you may have to pay a fine that can add up to $25,000, or serve jail-time for up to 1-3 years.

In 2011, Illinois issued new DUI laws. On January 1, 2011, they had amended the Unified Code of Corrections. It stated, “that those convicted of a DUI accident that occurred on or after the amendment date where the accident was proximate cause of greatly bodily harm or permanent shall receive no more than 4.5 days of good conduct credit for each month of the offender’s sentence of imprisonment,” according to the Illinois DUI Laws website.

If you are being charged with a DUI, make sure to call a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney today.