Penalties for DUI with Injury Charges
Depending on the arrest and conviction details, different penalties for DUI exist in Illinois. These factors could be the driver's age, blood alcohol content (BAC), if they were carrying a passenger under the age of 16, whether they were going the wrong way on a one-way street, or even whether they had previously been convicted of DUI. Aggravated DUI refers to a violation that is prosecuted as a felony.
The state of Illinois takes the charges very seriously and has severe penalties for those found guilty. If you are convicted, you could face significant fines, mandatory jail time, and the revocation of your driver's license.
Penalties are classified as follows:
First Conviction :
DUI with injury first offense is a class A misdemeanor, with a minimum suspension of one year (or two years if the driver is under 21) of their driving privileges; suspension of their vehicle's registration.
Second Conviction :
Class A misdemeanor; revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of five years for a second conviction within 20 years; suspension of vehicle registration; the obligatory minimum sentence of five days in jail or 240 hours of community service.
Third conviction :
Class 2 felony, with a minimum 10-year driving privilege suspension and fines up to $25,000, as well as suspension of car registration.
Fourth conviction (Aggravated DWI) :
Class 2 felony; permanent loss of the ability to drive; suspension of car registration; potential sentences of 3–7 years in jail and penalties of up to $25,000.
Fifth conviction ( Aggravated DWI) :
Class 1 felony; permanent loss of the ability to drive; suspension of car registration; potential sentences of 4 to 15 years in jail and penalties of up to $25,000.
Sixth conviction or Following Conviction (Aggravated DUI)
Class X felony: life driving privileges revoked with no chance of reprieve; suspension of vehicle registration; potential penalties of 6 to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
In addition to the fines and jail time, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car once you are allowed to drive again.
DUI with Injury Defense in Illinois
Understanding the potential consequences and working with a qualified drunk driving injury attorney who can provide an effective defense is crucial.
In Illinois, the charges can be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. Offenses that may constitute a felony include:
- Accident resulting in great bodily harm
- Aggravated DWI resulting in permanent disability or disfigurement
- Death of the victim.
A felony conviction with injury carries severe consequences; additionally, it can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life, such as difficulty obtaining employment or housing.
To defend against these charges, an experienced DUI injury attorney can work on challenging the prosecution's evidence, negotiating plea deals, or representing you in court.
Contact Kuchinski Law Group, LLC, for a consultation and find out how we can help defend your rights.
