Rolling Meadows Man With Multiple DUIs Faces 30 Year Prison Sentence

 Posted on May 25, 2018 in DUI/DWI

A Rolling Meadows man with 15 driving under the influence (DUI) convictions faces 30 years in prison. The DUI convictions date all the way back to 1982. These convictions take place over 36 years and have occurred in10 Illinois counties.

The man’slatest DUI charge occurred in June 2017 when he struck a party bus while intoxicated and driving. For the 15 convictions, he has served 15 years, five months, and eight days in prison, with sentences ranging from one year to7 years, according to the Daily Herald.

After the man’smost recent DUI charge, the defendant was forbidden to drive. In fact, the state of Illinois took away his license years ago because of the numerous DUI charges. Regardless, the defendant still got behind the wheel of a car and drove while intoxicated. The judge let the defendant out on bail after the 2017 DUI charge.

In March of 2018, the defendant was charged with driving without a license after driving to the scene of an accident to aid his wife. The defendant claimed his wife was in a car accident and he only drove to the scene to help her. Even with the intentions of helping his wife, the judge revoked bail.

The defendant is facing a Class X DUI felony charge. This is a charge that is reserved only for defendants who have six or more DUI convictions. The Class X felony carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and a potential fine of $25,000.

Illinois DUI Penalties

According to Illinois law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. DUI charges are divided into classes, depending on the severity of the charge. Multiple DUI charges and convictions result in harsher sentences.

DUIs can be both a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Misdemeanor charges result in the smallest punishments, and felony charge punishments are more severe.

• Class A Misdemeanor: The first and second DUI convictions are considered Class A misdemeanors. They carry the potential for fines, short jail sentences, and license suspension.
• Class 2 Felony: A third or fourth conviction is a Class 2 felony. Along with fines, prison time, and probation, there is a mandatory suspension of license or even lifetime revocation of driving privileges.
• Class 1 Felony: A fifth conviction is considered a Class 1 felony. This results in both suspension of driving privileges for life and suspension of vehicle registration, in addition to potential prison time, fines, and probation.
• Class X Felony: A Class X felony occurs after the sixth, and any subsequent DUIs. It carries the strictest penalties of up to 30 years in prison.

Contact Us Today for Help

A DUI charge is a serious matter. You need an aggressive attorney who is equipped to defend you and get the best results possible. Skilled Rolling Meadows DUI defense attorney Christopher M. Cosley is ready and able to defend you. Do not let a charge derail your future; contact us today for a consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501

https://cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180424/man-has-15-dui-convictions-now-he-faces-30-years-in-prison