Law enforcement can arrest you for driving under the influence in Illinois with blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. In addition, state law requires you to consent to a breath or blood test or face additional charges.
Review the possible penalties for DUI in Illinois before facing the judge on these charges.
First-time DUI
If you have no prior DUI convictions, you could receive the following penalties if found guilty:
- Mandatory clinical evaluation for substance use disorder
- License suspension for 12 months
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Up to 364 days in jail
For a DUI arrest with a passenger who is younger than 16, the state has a mandatory minimum of $1,000 fine and six months in jail. For BAC of 0.16% or higher, you will receive a mandatory minimum $1,000 fine and 100 hours of community service.
Aggravated DUI
Felony DUI charges apply to certain circumstances in Illinois. You could receive a Class 2 felony for DUI involving:
- Two or more prior DUI convictions on your record
- The second offense with a passenger younger than 16
- Serious injury to a child younger than 16
- The death of another driver or passenger, which has a mandatory minimum of two years in prison
This crime carries a fine of up to $25,000 as well as three to seven years in prison. You may also receive an extended license suspension.
Class 3 or 4 felony charges include DUI while driving under a suspended license, without insurance, or resulting in permanent injury or serious disability to another person.