Medical Conditions That Can Be Mistaken for Intoxication in DUI Cases

When someone is charged with driving under the influence, they are often assumed to be guilty, and the court may not take into account any other explanations for their behavior. However, there are a variety of medical conditions that can mimic intoxication, making it important to consider other factors when assessing a DUI case.

If you have been arrested for DUI, you need to explore all of the defense options that may be available in your case. One of the defense strategies may be arguing that you have a medical condition that was mistaken for intoxication. Consult with our Bloomington DUI defense attorney at The Prior Law Firm, P.C., to discuss your unique case.

Medical Conditions That Can Be Mistaken for Intoxication

Here is an overview of some common medical conditions that can be mistaken for intoxication in DUI cases.

Diabetes and Hypoglycemia

Diabetes and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can [...]

Written by on February 17, 2023

How Does Illinois Define and Penalize DUI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most serious offenses under the Illinois Vehicle Code. This offense applies criminal charges to any person who operates or controls a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Furthermore, Illinois imposes strict penalties for this type of violation. 

How Does Illinois Define DUI?

The Illinois definition of DUI appears under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. This section prohibits any person from driving or being in physical control of any vehicle:

    With a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more; While under the influence of alcohol; While under the influence of any intoxicating compound or a combination of intoxicating compounds; While under the influence of any other drug or a combination of drugs; While under the combined influence of alcohol, other drugs, or intoxicating compounds; With any amount of a drug, substance, or compound resulting from the use or
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Written by on October 21, 2022

Illinois Man Faces Aggravated DUI Charges in McLean County

After allegedly crashing a truck on Interstate 55, an Illinois man faces aggravated DUI charges in McLean County, according to an article by The Pantagraph.

Reports indicate that police officers responded to the scene of an accident on July 9. Allegedly, the Illinois man crashed on the interstate. The police officers who responded detected the smell of alcohol and signs of intoxication. But the Illinois man refused to provide blood, breath, or urine samples for chemical testing. 

As a result of this incident, the Illinois man faces one count of aggravated DUI and several counts of obstruction of justice. If the DUI charge holds up in court, it represents the third such charge in Illinois. Though apparently, this man also faced DUI charges in Maine from 2012 to 2017. 

At this juncture, the Illinois man remains in police custody on a $10,000 bond with an arraignment scheduled for August [...]

Written by on July 15, 2022

When Does DUI Become Reckless Homicide in Illinois?

The state of Illinois prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Ultimately, any driver on Illinois roads must ensure that they can operate their vehicle safely and in compliance with applicable law. Any violation of Illinois DUI laws can result in a jail or prison sentence and criminal fines. 

But if a DUI offense also involves a fatality — even an unintentional one — the offender will usually face reckless homicide charges instead. Given the severity of this type of conduct, reckless homicide is a felony crime with heightened penalties for any violation.

How Does Illinois Define Reckless Homicide?

720 ILCS 5/9-3 provides the Illinois definition of reckless homicide. There are two different versions of reckless homicide under this section. 

The first version of reckless homicide applies whenever a person:

    Commits DUI; and Causes the death of another person as
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Written by on February 18, 2022