If a person is convicted of driving under the influence in Illinois, the penalties can be significant. They can vary based on several factors, including the driver’s blood alcohol concentration, how many previous DUI convictions the person has and whether anyone else was injured or killed in an accident while the driver was under the influence.
In addition to these penalties, a DUI conviction can affect the driver’s employment opportunities, affect their ability to obtain insurance and affect their personal relationships.
Potential penalties
In Illinois, if a person is convicted of DUI they can face license suspension, several thousand dollars of fines, possible imprisonment, mandatory community service and required attendance at a drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment program.
For a first-time DUI conviction, the driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of one year. Some drivers, however, may be eligible for a permit that allows them to drive with a breath alcohol ignition interlock device which must be installed in their vehicle.
For a second DUI conviction, the driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of five years and they may have court-imposed restrictions on where they can drive, such as work, school and other approved destinations.
For a third DUI conviction, the defendant will have their driver’s license suspended permanently. However, the driver may be able to apply for a restricted driving permit after a certain period of time, pending certain requirements that must be met first.
A DUI conviction is serious, but there are options to address it and to have driving privileges reinstated.