What are the Penalties of a First Offense DUI?

In the state of Illinois, there are strict penalties in place for individuals who are convicted of driving under the influence or DUI. If a person is pulled over by a police officer and found to have a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, they can be arrested and charged with the crime. Generally, there are administrative penalties and others handed down in court.

Illinois has implied consent laws, which mean that all drivers give consent to a chemical test if a police officer has probable cause to believe they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both. An administrative penalty is given if someone is arrested for DUI, fails testing or refusing to be tested. Their driver’s license is automatically suspended.

For a first DUI offense and conviction is considered a class A misdemeanor. This level of DUI includes a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and an additional six months in jail if there was a minor younger than 16 in the car at the time of the offense.

Fines are also given for a first DUI conviction. They may include a maximum fine of $2,500, a minimum fine of $500 if the person’s BAC was 0.16 or higher. However, if there was a passenger younger than 16 years old in the vehicle at the time, the individual can face a minimum fine of $1,000.

Community service is also a penalty commonly handed down by the court. For a first DUI conviction when the person’s BAC was 0.16 or higher, there is a requirement of 100 hours of community service to be completed. If there was a young person under 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense, the person is ordered to complete 25 days of community service in a program that benefits children.

While the driver’s license is suspended, the individual may apply for a restricted driving permit, which allows them to drive only to work or school, doctor’s appointments and drug or alcohol treatment.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Illinois, it’s a serious matter that needs skilled DUI lawyers in Arlington Heights IL. You need the Geocaris Law Firm on your side. Contact the Geocaris Law Firm immediately to discuss your case with DUI lawyers in Arlington Heights IL.