Finding A DUI Lawyer in Illinois
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a serious offense in Illinois. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Illinois, then finding the top-rated DUI lawyers in Illinois should be your first step. An Illinois DUI conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.
If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge, it is important to understand the laws surrounding DUI arrests in the state. In this article, we will explore the rate of DUI arrests in Illinois over the past few years and how getting an Illinois DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge.
DUI vs DWI in Illinois
In Illinois, the terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) are often used interchangeably in conversation. Legally, Illinois primarily uses the term DUI to encompass a broader range of offenses that include not only alcohol but also other drugs. This includes driving under the influence of prescription medication and driving under the influence of illicit substances.
Illinois has an implied consent law, meaning that by using public roadways, you consent to undergo chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if suspected of DUI. Refusal to comply results in a driver’s license suspension.
DUI in Illinois
In Illinois, you can be charged with a DUI if you operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or a combination. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%. However, DUI charges aren’t limited to just alcohol; they can also include being under the influence of controlled substances like marijuana, prescription drugs, or even over-the-counter medications if they impair your ability to drive safely.
DWI in Illinois
While the term DWI is more commonly used in other states, it specifically refers to alcohol impairment in those jurisdictions. Illinois law doesn’t distinguish between DUI and DWI as separate offenses; it uses DUI as the all-encompassing term to cover any form of impaired driving, whether it’s due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination.
DUI Arrest Rates in Illinois
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, there were 20,131 DUI arrests in Illinois in 2020. This marks a decrease from the 26,224 DUI arrests made in 2019. However, the decrease in DUI arrests is not necessarily indicative of a decrease in the number of people driving under the influence, as the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted the rate of DUI arrests in 2020.
Penalties for DUI in Illinois
The penalties for a DUI in Illinois can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for DUI in Illinois:
First DUI in Illinois
- A fine of up to $2,500
- License suspension for up to one year
- Possible jail time of up to one year
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
Second DUI in Illinois
- A fine of up to $2,500
- License suspension for up to five years
- Mandatory jail time of at least five days, up to one year
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
Third DUI in Illinois
- A felony DUI charge, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
- License revocation for up to 10 years
- Mandatory jail time of at least 10 days, up to seven years
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
Fourth DUI in Illinois
- A felony charge, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
- License revocation for life
- Mandatory jail time of at least 30 days, up to 15 years
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
It is important to note that these penalties are a general overview and that the specific penalties for DUI in Illinois may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
How an Illinois DUI Lawyer Can Help You Beat a DUI Charge
One of the main ways that an Illinois DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge is by challenging the police evidence against you. This may include challenging the results of field sobriety tests, challenging the validity of a breathalyzer or blood test, or arguing that the police did not have probable cause to stop you in the first place.
It is important to remember that time is of the essence when it comes to DUI charges in Illinois. If you have been charged with a DUI, you only have 90 days to appeal an administrative license suspension for a DUI. Get one of the top Illinois DUI lawyers today to protect your right to drive.
Top Illinois DUI Lawyers
If you have been charged with a DUI in Illinois, it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced Illinois DUI lawyer. An experienced Illinois DUI lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to help you beat your DUI charge.
More Illinois DUI Resources
If you need a DUI lawyer in a specific city in Illinois, we also have pages for DUI lawyers in cities across the state of Illinois. Read our helpful and informative articles below to find a DUI lawyer near you. Also, you can call 1-888-839-4384 anytime to schedule a free consultation.
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