DUI is a serious charge by itself under Illinois law. It becomes much more serious in cases involving a motor vehicle accident, and if someone is killed in the accident, the charges can land a defendant in prison for years.
While many Illinois residents may think they will never face this type of charge themselves, in fact, DUI charges affect people from all walks of life. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, more than 85% of those arrested on suspicion of DUI in 2020 were considered first-time offenders.
The incident
The suspect in a recent fatal head-on collision has been arrested and is now facing multiple charges related to driving while intoxicated.
According to news reports, the accident occurred on Jan. 6, 2023, but the suspect was not arrested until Feb. 15. According to police, a pickup truck driven by the defendant crossed the center line and collided with an automobile driven by a young woman from Rockford. The woman was the only occupant of her vehicle, and she succumbed to her injuries after being taking to a nearby hospital.
At press time, the suspect had been booked into the Winnebago County Jail.
Criminal charges
Police documents indicate that the defendant has been charged with six crimes involving impaired driving. The charges include Aggravated DUI Drugs Involving Death — a felony under Illinois law — and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs.
Conclusion
People who face charges such as the ones in this case could receive a sentence of years in prison and a significant fine.
In such cases, the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney can minimize the sentences or even achieve an acquittal on one or more of the charges.