Cook County DUI Lawyers
Defendants with Prior DUIs
Driving under the influence is not something prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officials take lightly in Cook County. The penalties for DUI convictions are serious. People with prior convictions for DUI face mandatory time in jail, license suspension for up to three years, maximum fines of up to $25,000, many hours of community service, possible license revocation and more. While a first offender may be eligible for the relatively gentle sentence of supervision (a non-conviction), when a person commits a second, third, fourth, or even fifth DUI, he or she faces an enhanced set of penalties that are much harsher than a first-time DUI.
The penalties for DUI depend in part on the number of prior DUI offenses the driver has on his or her record, and a careful analysis by a seasoned DUI lawyer is important. In Illinois, penalties for multiple DUI convictions include:
2nd DUI Conviction:
- Misdemeanor charges
- 0-12 months in jail or prison
- Fines up to $2,500
- Breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) must be installed in the vehicle
- 5 year license suspension or revocation
- Driver may be able to obtain a restricted driving permit (RDP) after 1 year revocation
- 240 hours of community service
3rd DUI Conviction:
- Felony charges (class 2)
- 3-7 years in jail or prison
- Mandatory 10 days in jail or 480 hours of community service
- Fines up to $25,000
- 10 year license suspension or revocation
- Driver may be able to obtain a restricted driving permit (RDP) after 1 year revocation
- BAIID may be installed in the vehicle
4th DUI Conviction:
- Felony charges (class 2)
- 3-7 years in jail or prison
- Fines up to $25,000
- Lifetime loss of driving privileges
- Not eligible for a restricted driving permit
5th DUI Conviction:
- Felony charges (class 1)
- 4-15 years in jail or prison
- Fines up to $25,000
- Lifetime loss of driving privileges
- Not eligible for a restricted driving permit
6th or Subsequent DUI Conviction:
- Felony charges (class x)
- 6-30 year in jail or prison
- Fines up to $25,000
- Lifetime loss of driving privileges
- Not eligible for a restricted driving permit