Motorists often fail to realize that just one drink can impair their driving ability and lead to a serious accident.

DUI Laws In Illinois, those charged with a DUI offense, or “driving under the influence,” face serious penalties if proven guilty. First offenders can:

• Lose their driver’s license for up to one year
• Be imprisoned for up to 12 months
• Be required to perform 100 hours of community service
• Pay a fine of up to $2,500, or any combination thereof

Penalties will likely increase for subsequent offenses.

Furthermore, those convicted of drunk driving may lose work time, have their vehicle impounded and be required to carry high-risk auto insurance for 36 months.

Penalties are more severe for second and third convictions. A fourth conviction will result in the driver’s license being permanently revoked. If an impaired driver is involved in an auto accident that results in serious bodily harm or one or more deaths, the case is heard in criminal court and the penalties are even more severe.

If stopped by the police for a probable DUI, a driver may be given a Breathalyzer test. If the driver submits to the test, his or her breath will register a certain number on the test. If it is above the legal limit of .08, driving privileges will be suspended for 6 months. If the driver refuses to take the test, his or her license will be automatically suspended by the Secretary of State for one year.

The sentence the court ultimately imposes is affected by a number of factors, including:

• What transpired leading up to the DUI charge
• Policies of the local court
• And, weaknesses in the case uncovered by a person’s defense attorney
• Whether the person charged had a prior DUI conviction
• If the driver was speeding
• Whether there was a child under age 14 in the car, and other matters

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.