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

Bloomington Carjacking Lawyer

How Does Illinois Increase DUI Penalties for Repeat Offenders?

It is against the law in Illinois to drive under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. The moment a person becomes impaired and unable to operate their vehicle in a safe and controlled manner, DUI charges are likely to follow. 

That being said, the Illinois penalties for DUI offenses increase dramatically for repeat offenders, particularly in cases of aggravated DUI. To understand exactly how this system works, the following sections will examine Illinois DUI penalties under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. 

    First DUI Conviction

Generally speaking, DUI is a Class A misdemeanor on the first offense. At this level, the penalties can include a maximum of $2,500 in criminal fines and 12 months in jail. 

    Second DUI Conviction

On the second offense, DUI remains a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. But Section 11-501 triggers mandatory levels of punishment. Second-time DUI offenders are subject to a [...]

Written by on December 30, 2021

Underage Drinking Defense Bloomington

Driver Charged With Aggravated DUI in Bloomington, Illinois

A man from Bloomington, Illinois faces criminal charges for aggravated DUI after allegedly striking a victim and causing severe injury, according to an article by The Pantagraph.

This incident occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, August 28 in the 1500 block of Six Points Road in Bloomington. At that time and place, the Illinois man allegedly ran into a victim and inflicted serious bodily injuries. According to reports, the victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital. 

As a result of this incident, the Illinois man faces criminal charges for aggravated DUI. Even though this case is just beginning, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois laws against and punishment for aggravated DUI.

Illinois Laws Against Aggravated DUI

The Illinois laws against aggravated DUI appear at 625 ILCS 5/11-501. Under this section, aggravated DUI applies when an offender commits DUI and also:

    It is the third
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Written by on September 3, 2021

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