If you have been charged with driving under influence in Illinois, you must act quickly to protect your rights. DUI is a criminal offense, and you need the services of a lawyer to be on the safe side. Our lawyer, Sergei Kuchinski, helps to understand your DUI penalties in Chicago and protect your rights.
If it is your first DUI offense, you are probably asking yourself about the repercussions of the Illinois DUI arrest. In Illinois, including Chicago, the charges for first-time offenders differ compared to 2ndt ime offenses. The offenses are classified as Class A misdemeanors and can result in jail time of a maximum of one year or fines up to $2,500. Other common punishments you can expect include:
When it comes to a repeat DUI, the charges are more severe. Due to the continuing problem, the DUI penalties in Illinois are relatively higher. You will need the representation of a good lawyer who will guide you through the entire process. A DUI defense lawyer will help gather enough evidence and even offer legal representation in court.
For an offense to be considered a 2nd time offense, you must have one prior DUI on your record regardless when it happened. Some of the punishment you can expect for a repeat DUI include:
The law of Illinois, including Chicago has a policy of zero-tolerance when it comes to individuals below the age of 21 drinking and driving. Any individual caught drinking and is below the age of 21 will lose their driving privileges. If the individual refuses to undertake the blood-alcohol test, they will face harsher penalties. After the initial Illinois DUI arrest, you should ensure that you cooperate with the police. You have the right to contact your lawyer, who will advise you on the next step.
Individuals under 21 and convicted of a first-time DUI offense can be subjected to a revocation of their driver's license. Some of the other penalties include:
For the second DUI offense, persons under the age of 21 years can face the following penalties:
DUI is considered either a misdemeanor or a felony. A first DUI arrest in Chicago, and Illinois, in general, is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, in some circumstances, it can be classified as a felony. DUI can be considered a felony if you are charged a repeat DUI charge, DUI charge that results in the death of any individual, DUI + no valid license, 3rd DUI, DUI + no insurance.
In some circumstances, the consequences of a Illinois DUI arrest are severe and can result in jail time or suspension of your driver's license. However, when you hire our qualified DUI defense attorney, you can acquire adequate legal representation. Sergei Kuchinski, helps to negotiate lesser charges or the dismissal of the charges. Ensure you contact our lawyer as soon as you are charged with a DUI offense.
Remember that the faster you contact a DUI attorney, the quicker you get the legal help you require. You can call or text our lawyer at (312) 765-7365 to get the help you need. Consider hiring our lawyers to avoid jail time, fight your felony charges, retain your driving privileges, keep a good record, and secure your job.