An Explanation of Illinois DUI Law

 Posted on January 28, 2019 in Uncategorized

 Not only is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol imperative to our safety and wellbeing, but it is also against Illinois state laws. The law clearly defines what constitutes driving under the influence, as well as the penalties of being found guilty of such violations. Due to the increased safety concern of impaired driving, the state legislature enacted strict DUI laws in conjunction with severe punishments.

A Brief Summary of Illinois State Law 625 ILCS 5/11-501

According to Illinois state law, it is illegal to drive or otherwise be in physical control of a vehicle when:

• Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is .08 or higher;
• You are unable to drive safely due to alcohol or another intoxicating substance;
• You consumed any amount of any controlled substance; or
• You have a THC concentration of 5 nanograms or more in your bloodstream.

Potential Penalties for First Offenders

If you are arrested for DUI, you will likely face administrative penalties that will directly affect your driving privileges. More sanctions are possible with potential criminal penalties if you are later found guilty in court. For first time offenders, DUI qualifies as a Class A misdemeanor, which has a potential sentence of:

• Up to one year in jail; and
• Fines of up to $2,500.

Mind Your Manners and Other Tips

It is important to remember that as the accused, you have the power to either improve or destroy your case. Even if the officer who pulled you over is entirely wrong, it is important to remember that he or she is also a person who can make mistakes and erroneously perceive a situation; either of which will come to light during court proceedings. For now, be polite with the officer, but do not offer more information than necessary. Anything you do or say can -- and will -- be used against you in court. Other tips to remember:

• Ask for an attorney;
• Remain silent;
• Do not lie;
• Exit the vehicle upon request; and
• Decline the field-sobriety test.

Ask a Wheaton DUI Defense Lawyer

If you face DUI allegations, it is vital to contact a DuPage County DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. With officer assistance, the prosecutor is diligently working to build a case against you. Therefore, it is valuable to have an experienced attorney by your side from the beginning, protecting your rights and interests. The experienced attorneys at Goostree Law Group understand the urgency of this matter and will fight on your behalf every step of the way. Discover how we can help your case. Call our office at 630-364-4046 today to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation. 

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501