Know the penalties in Illinois for drunk driving

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DUI’s: Insight From a Criminal Law Attorney In Belleville, IL

As Traffic Law and DUI Attorneys in Belleville, IL, let us offer these suggestions. With football season just around the corner, people are going to head out to parties to watch the games. Other festivities might also come up. One thing that many parties have in common is that there are alcoholic beverages offered.

If you are planning to go to outings with alcoholic beverages, make sure that you are prepared to get home safely. This means either using a designated driver or another method. If you do have to drive home after the party, either don’t drink or be prepared to face drunk driving charges.

First time DUI charges are serious

If this is your first drunk driving charge, you are facing up to six months in jail. Your driver’s license is likely going to be suspended for one year. Your motor vehicle registration can be revoked. The fine is up to $1,000. You might also have to do community service and participate in a drug and alcohol program.

The penalties can vary some for drivers who are under 21. In this case, the charge is an underage DUI. One difference is the license suspension period. A driver who is under 21 faces a two-year suspension, but a driver who is 21 or older faces a one-year suspension. Enhancements, or increased penalties, are also possible for people with BAC of .16 percent or higher.

Ignition interlock devices

Illinois uses the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device to monitor drivers who need a provisional license, known as a Monitoring Device Driving Permit. This permit allows you to drive your vehicle that is equipped with an ignition interlock device. This device requires that you blow into it so it can determine your blood-alcohol concentration before it will start. It also requires periodic blows during travel.

DUIs are expensive in Illinois

Illinois estimates that when all is said and done, a person who faces a DUI will be out of around $18,030, on average. This includes the cost of the ignition interlock, the increase in insurance premiums, income loss, and court costs. Of course, this is just a loose estimate so your costs might be greater or less, depending on your circumstances and your criminal law attorney. Other expenses can also occur.

If you are facing drunk driving charges, you should make sure that you know about important deadlines and dates. Make sure that you have a diligent DUI Lawyer in Belleville, Illinois. You also need to ensure that you learn about the options you have for dealing with the criminal and administrative components of your case.