Posted on June 15, 2016 in DUI Defense

All too often we hear about the tragic consequences of driving under the influence and what a DUI can mean for everyone involved in a drunk driving incident. The statistics surrounding injuries and fatalities are undoubtedly alarming, and they are understandably the most controversial topic when it comes to drunk driving accidents.

What we do not hear about nearly as much is the impact that DUI penalties have on drivers during day-to-day life. DUIs still mean big consequences for Illinois drivers who are merely pulled over and found to be under the influence. It does not take a tragic accident to alter the life of one person significantly.

DUI Convictions and Their Penalties

Consequences of driving under the influence begin with the first conviction. Illinois law enforces a maximum fine of up to $2,500 and a minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges. That is not counting possible imprisonment of up to one year. A second DUI conviction can mean a mandatory five days of imprisonment or 240 hours of community service, plus a five-year loss of full driving privileges, at a minimum. By the time a driver reaches a third DUI conviction, it is considered a Class 2 felony and can mean a maximum fine of $25,000 and a minimum of ten years loss of driving privileges. At this point, a driver is facing possibly seven years of imprisonment.

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