Know what is at stake with a DUI charge in Illinois

Like most people, you probably didn’t set out to drive after you had too much to drink. In fact, you probably didn’t intend to get drunk; you might simply have wanted a couple of drinks with friends or family. Regardless of your intentions at the beginning of the night, you later got stopped and arrested for drunk driving.

Now, your anxiety is probably through the roof. You wonder what potential penalties you could face, how your arrest will affect your personal and professional life, and what a conviction could cost you. Even a conviction for a first offense comes with potentially harsh penalties, and you need to know your legal options for minimizing the negative consequences. To clarify matters, it can help to understand exactly what is at stake.

First offense

For a first offense, you could face the following penalties:

• Up to one year in jail
• Up to $2,500 in fines
• Up to one year license suspension
• Use of ignition interlock device if granted a restricted license
• Mandatory alcohol assessment, treatment and education
• Possible confiscation of your vehicle

The court may also order you to do a certain number of hours of community service. You could also face the suspension of your driver’s license for up to three months before a conviction.

Second offense

Being convicted of a second offense could result in the following penalties:

• Use of an ignition interlock device
• Up to five years license suspension
• Mandatory alcohol assessment, treatment and education
• Possible confiscation of your vehicle

You could also face additional incarceration, community service and fines above that of a first offense. Prior to a conviction, you could also lose your driver’s license for up to one year.