When a person is charged with a minor traffic violation, it is incredibly common for them to pay the fine and move on. In all reality, this can be a poor decision to make, especially as it pertains to driving under the influence. If convicted, even a first-time DUI charge could result in loss of driving privileges, substantial fines, and even potential jail-time. Below, we will examine some of the potential ramifications of a first-time DUI conviction, as well as the importance of hiring an attorney when you are facing charges for driving under the influence.

How Your First DUI Can Impact You

Here in the state of Illinois, upwards of 25,000 people are arrested on DUI charges, each and every year. If convicted, a DUI charge can significantly impact a person’s life. According to Illinois state law, driving under the influence of alcohol constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor, for a first-time offender. If convicted, the driver will face a one-year license revocation period, as well as suspension of their vehicle registration. While a first-time DUI offender can apply for a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), they must pay for the device themselves and will be charged with a felony if they are caught driving another vehicle.

After being charged with a DUI, it is incredibly important to act quickly. Even a first-time DUI offender can face a temporary loss of driving privileges and significant fines. For those that are convicted of multiple DUIs, the impact on one’s life can be incredibly significant. Below, we will examine the legal ramifications of multiple DUI convictions, and how a qualified legal professional can assist you throughout the legal proceedings. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, speak with an attorney immediately.

The Implications of Multiple DUI Convictions

Here in the state of Illinois, more than 20,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence, each year. Because of the sheer number of offenders, the criminal punishments for multiple convictions are incredibly severe. A second DUI conviction constitutes a Class A misdemeanor, a minimum of five days in prison or 240 hours of community service, and a five-year license revocation period.

When a person is pulled over by a police officer or highway patrolmen, it is entirely common to feel helpless. If you are driving home after a night spent with friends and are fearful that you may be driving over the legal limit for blood alcohol content (the nationwide legal BAC limit is 0.08), it is important to know how to react. If convicted of a DUI, you could face significant fines, loss of driving privileges, and even potential jail time. Due to the severity of the criminal punishment that an offender can face for driving under the influence, it can be wise to refuse chemical testing. Below we will examine the potential ramifications of a test refusal.

How a Test Refusal Can Impact You

According to Illinois state law, a driver must adhere to an officer’s request for a chemical test. This is written in Illinois’ implied consent law, which states that a driver has authorized consent for testing of breath, urine, or blood if an officer deems probable cause of intoxication. It should be noted that refusal of chemical testing is not a criminal offense, but can come with significant ramifications.

Here in the state of Illinois, thousands of drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, each year. According to statistics compiled by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, a staggering 27,046 DUI arrests were made statewide, throughout 2017. After being charged with driving under the influence, it is important to act quickly. A DUI conviction can not only come with harsh criminal punishment, but also significantly impact other aspects of your life. From difficulty securing employment to challenges finding housing opportunities, a DUI charge should not be taken lightly. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to speak with a legal professional.

The Legal Ramifications of a DUI

Due to the dangers of drinking and driving, the legal implications of a DUI conviction are incredibly harsh, in Illinois. If convicted, a first-time DUI offender will likely face a Class A misdemeanor, up to a year in prison, and as much as $2,500 in fines. A first-time DUI conviction will also result in a driver’s license suspension. While a second DUI conviction still constitutes a Class A misdemeanor, the driver will face license revocation for a minimum of five years. In the event of a third conviction, the legal punishments become much more severe.

Everyone makes mistakes, unfortunately, some mistakes come with severe consequences. For those that elect to drive while under the influence of alcohol, the mistake of getting behind the wheel can be life-altering. Driving under the influence can result in a fatal car accident, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that over 10,000 Americans were fatally injured in automobile accidents involving alcohol, throughout 2016.

While not all drivers that make the decision to drive while inebriated, take their own life or the life of another, many are arrested on charges of driving under the influence. In 2016 alone, over 1 million Americans were convicted of DUI charges. Understanding the implications of a DUI conviction may keep you from getting behind the wheel of a car. That said, if you have been accused of driving under the influence, it is time to seek out a legal team you can trust.