Alcohol is the leading cause of fatalities on American roads. It slows our reaction time and blurs our vision. Therefore, acting in an emergency is almost impossible for a drunk driver. Alcohol can affect your driving regardless of the quantity consumed.
What is a DUI?
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. Although many people face driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI law also covers hard drugs. DUI is a criminal offense that can attract weighty consequences.
Attending court to face exoneration or conviction can change your life for good. Therefore, it is important to understand your drunk driving defense options beforehand. This will help you find a reliable attorney to walk with you during this delicate situation. You don’t have to walk through this road alone. Having an attorney by your side protects your interest.
Illinois BAC laws
Blood alcohol concentration measures the quantity of alcohol in your blood. Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or more is illegal. However, if your BAC is below 0.08% but you have signs of impaired driving, you can still face legal conviction. Things that may affect your BAC include:
- Foods you have eaten
- Your body size or weight
- The amount you drink
- Your alcohol tolerance
Potential outcomes of an Illinois DUI legal conviction
Factors like your criminal record and the severity of the incident determine your sentencing. Don’t face a DUI conviction alone to avoid costly mistakes, even if it’s your first time. Below are the possible costs and common punishments:
- Paying fines: Fines might be part of your sentencing. A first offense can cost you a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $2500.
- Jail time: Simple offenses might result in 100 hours of community service, one year of court supervision and one year in jail.
- Probation: If you’re not jailed, the judge might place you on probation for a given period.
- Drug and alcohol education program: Individuals convicted of DUI in Illinois must complete this program. This helps to educate them on the dangers of DUI.
If you face DUI charges, the prosecution will utilize every possible resource to secure a conviction. Hence, you might need to enlist the assistance of an attorney to achieve the most favorable result.