Analyzing Illinois Laws Against and Punishment for DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or other substances is a criminal offense in the State of Illinois. Any person who commits this offense can face severe criminal punishment, including but not limited to confinement in jail and criminal fines. Furthermore, DUI offenders in Illinois will likely lose their driving privileges for a period of time. To avoid these charges, it is vital to comprehend the precise boundaries of Illinois laws against and punishment for DUI. 

Illinois Laws Against DUI

The Illinois laws against DUI appear at 625 ILCS 5/11-501. Under this section, it is illegal to operate — or be in physical control of — a motor vehicle while:

    Their blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) meets or exceeds 0.08%; Under the influence of alcohol; Under the influence of any intoxicating compound or combination of intoxicating compounds; Under the influence of any drug or combination of drugs; Under the combined
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Written by on March 12, 2021

Illinois Man Charged with Reckless Homicide and Aggravated DUI

A 33-year-old Illinois man faces criminal charges for reckless homicide and aggravated DUI after allegedly causing a fatal crash in Livingston County, according to an article by The Pantagraph.

Official reports indicate that the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department responded to this incident just before midnight on Saturday, December 5th. The Illinois State Police, the Streator Police Department, the Reading Fire Department, and the Livingston County Coroner’s Office also assisted with this incident.

When the authorities arrived at 600 Block of South Park Street, they discovered an automobile accident. The Illinois man in question was driving the vehicle with a passenger. The passenger died as a result of injuries sustained during the accident. Law enforcement arrested the Illinois man at the scene.

After his arrest, the Illinois man posted bail in the amount of $15,000 and was released from police custody with a court date scheduled for December 28th. In [...]

Written by on December 11, 2020

When Does DUI Become Aggravated DUI in Illinois?

The Illinois Criminal Code prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. When a person becomes impaired and loses their ability to operate their vehicle in safe fashion, it qualifies as a DUI in Illinois. Though in certain circumstances, a regular DUI can become an aggravated DUI and subject the offender to felony charges. 

How Does Illinois Define Aggravated DUI?

625 ILCS 5/11-501 provides the Illinois definition of aggravated DUI. The aggravated version of this offense applies if a person commits DUI:

    For a third or subsequent time; For a second time, if there was a child passenger under the age of 16 years old; While transporting multiple passengers on a school bus or a vehicle-for-hire; While also causing great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to someone else; After a previous conviction for reckless homicide while under the influence;
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Written by on October 16, 2020

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or Drugs in Illinois

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a common problem in Illinois and across the United States. To dissuade this type of dangerous behavior, there are strict laws against intoxicated or impaired driving across the nation. In Illinois, there is a specific definition of what qualifies as DUI, including testing benchmarks for alcohol or marijuana consumption. 

 

What is the Illinois Definition of DUI?

 

The Illinois definition of DUI appears under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. This section makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of various substances. 

 

In this context, under the influence means that a person is impaired and incapable of driving in a safe manner. It does not matter if that person is legally entitled to consume the substance in question. 

 

More specifically, Section 11-501 makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence [...]

Written by on July 24, 2020