Cook County DUI Lawyers
Penalties for DUI in Cook County, Illinois
Facing DUI charges in Cook County, Illinois is a serious situation. There are numerous penalties associated with a drunk driving conviction, and these may be enhanced depending upon certain factors (such as a high blood alcohol concentration or prior convictions). Following are some potential penalties for a Cook County DUI:
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Up to 364 days in jail
- At least a 1 year driver’s license revocation for a 1st DUI conviction, a five year revocation for a 2nd conviction, a 10 year revocation for a 3rd conviction, and a lifetime revocation for a fourth conviction.
- Mandatory DUI school
- Community Service
- Probation
- Possible Vehicle Impoundment
- Breath Alcohol Interlock Ignition Device or Alcohol-Monitoring Ankle Bracelet
When DUI Penalties are Increased
There are certain cases in which the penalties for DUI may be enhanced. A basic, first-time DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense. However, in some cases, a DUI will be charged as a felony, which will warrant much stricter penalties, including higher fines, longer license suspensions, and more time in jail or prison. Factors that commonly lead to enhanced penalties include:
- Causing an accident that results in serious bodily injury or death
- A defendant having at least two prior DUI convictions on his or her record
- A defendant committing DUI while his or her driver’s license was suspended or revoked
- A defendant committing DUI while the vehicle or motorist was not insured.