Facing DUI Charges That Ended in Tragedy

 Posted on October 18, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a bad enough legal issue without having to add something as complicated as death. Sadly, tragedies can strike even when accidental or unprovoked. Facing DUI charges that involve the death or deaths of individuals carries serious penalties. A skilled criminal defense attorney experienced in aggravated DUI cases can provide much-needed guidance and defense to your situation.

On The Shoulders of the Prosecution

Illinois statute outlines aggravated DUI as a person is guilty while driving intoxicated and involves great bodily harm or death to another person or people. Great bodily harm and death are two separate cases that require the prosecutor to prove the driver was directly the cause of the harm or death inflicted on the other person or persons. A conviction by the prosecution will carry steep penalties for the defendant who will see mandatory prison time on top of penalties reserved for DUI.

What Are The Penalties for an Aggravated DUI Conviction?

By default, an aggravated DUI is a class 4 felony. A conviction of aggravated DUI that resulted in great bodily harm or permanent disability to another or others will see you facing a minimum of 12 years in prison alongside DUI charges based on the number of prior DUI offenses.

An aggravated DUI conviction that results in the death or deaths of others will see various penalties depending on how many individuals were killed. One death will see a prison sentence ranging between three and 14 years. Multiple deaths will have a convicted defendant facing a minimum imprisonment of six years up to a maximum of 28 years.

Illinois will add on DUI penalties based on prior DUI convictions regardless of how long ago they happened. So even being convicted of a DUI 10 to 25 years ago, that conviction is counted as a prior offense.

Defenses to an Aggravated DUI Charge

The best thing to do in the event you are charged with aggravated DUI is to immediately seek legal representation. The state must prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and a skilled attorney can determine if the state possesses enough evidence against you for a conviction. Do not speak about your case to anyone besides your lawyer as any statement you make can be used against you at a later time.

Contact a Chicago, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

DUI cases are serious and carry penalties that can be severe if convicted. You will want an experienced Cook County, IL criminal defense attorney defending you against the charges. The Luisi Legal Group is ready to go to war in your defense. Call 773-276-5541 now for a consultation and a discussion on your legal rights and how to safeguard them.