Practice

Blog

News

Library

Illinois DUI Laws (Part A)

If you've been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, know that Illinois DUI laws impose strict criminal charges against those who cause a drunk driving accident. The penalties incurred by the drunk driver vary depending on many factors, so it's important to know the details of both your case and the Illinois DUI laws. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you understand the laws and how they apply to your drunk driving accident.

The Basics of DUI in Illinois

As with all states, Illinois DUI laws classify intoxication as .08% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or higher. When driving on any Illinois roadway, you are automatically consenting to a test of your blood, breath and/or urine to determine level of intoxication in accordance with the Implied Consent Law. Failure to submit to these tests may increase the duration of your license suspension.

Illinois DUI laws also impose additional penalties for open containers of alcohol present in the passenger area, DUI with a minor in the vehicle, allowing an intoxicated driver to use your vehicle, and being convicted of DUI if you are younger than 21 years.

Aggravated DUI in Illinois

The driver that caused your drunk driving accident is now liable for prosecution under the Illinois DUI laws for Aggravated DUI. These laws apply to any drunk driver who causes a drunk driving accident resulting in the injury or death of another party. This sort of DUI conviction is classified as a Class 4 felony punishable by 1 to 12 years in jail.

If the accident resulted in a death, it moves to a Class 2 felony with 3 to14 years in jail, 6 to 28 years for multiple deaths, and fines of up to $25,000.

Aside from the fines and penalties assessed to the other driver responsible in your drunk driving accident, you may want to seek an Illinois personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for damages from your injury or loss of a loved one. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you file your claim and work for a settlement on your case.

The next part of our article explains the enhanced penalties for multiple convictions, driving with a minor as a passenger, and causing an accident in which personal injury or death is a result.

Continue to Next Page >>

The Law Offices of
Barry G. Doyle, P.C.
5215 Old Orchard Road
Suite 710
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 312.263.1080
Fax: 312.263.0153

Proudly Serving Many Illinois Cities and Counties, Including:
Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Naperville, Joliet, Waukegan, Geneva, Sycamore, Woodstock, Kankakee, Morris, Ottawa; Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Winnebago, DeKalb, McHenry, Kankakee, Grundy, LaSalle, Peoria, McLean, Champaign, Tazewell Counties

Offices

FAQ