The Impact of DUI Penalties: More Than Just Statistics

 Posted on June 15, 2016 in DUI Defense

All too often we hear about the tragic consequences of driving under the influence and what a DUI can mean for everyone involved in a drunk driving incident. The statistics surrounding injuries and fatalities are undoubtedly alarming, and they are understandably the most controversial topic when it comes to drunk driving accidents.

What we do not hear about nearly as much is the impact that DUI penalties have on drivers during day-to-day life. DUIs still mean big consequences for Illinois drivers who are merely pulled over and found to be under the influence. It does not take a tragic accident to alter the life of one person significantly.

DUI Convictions and Their Penalties

Consequences of driving under the influence begin with the first conviction. Illinois law enforces a maximum fine of up to $2,500 and a minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges. That is not counting possible imprisonment of up to one year. A second DUI conviction can mean a mandatory five days of imprisonment or 240 hours of community service, plus a five-year loss of full driving privileges, at a minimum. By the time a driver reaches a third DUI conviction, it is considered a Class 2 felony and can mean a maximum fine of $25,000 and a minimum of ten years loss of driving privileges. At this point, a driver is facing possibly seven years of imprisonment.

Other DUI-Related Offenses

Drunk drivers are not the only ones impacted by their decision to operate a vehicle under the influence. Anyone who knowingly provides an underage driver with alcohol or who involves himself with the illegal transportation of alcohol is considered to be guilty of a criminal offense. Additionally, anyone who knowingly permits a driver under the influence to operate a vehicle is guilty of a crime. Those who are involved with drunk drivers getting behind the wheel in any way are in danger of violations on their driving record, at risk for possible license suspension, and are subject to imprisonment and fines up to $2,500.

You can help prevent drunk driving incidents by avoiding driving under the influence yourself, but what you do or don’t do as a bystander is just as important. Never allow someone you know has been drinking to get behind the wheel, and never provide an underage driver with alcoholic beverages. If you have been involved with a DUI arrest, whether you were a driver, passenger, or victim, you need the help of an experienced Chicago DUI defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Call the Luisi Legal Group today at 773-276-5541 for a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/drnkdriving.cfm