The state of Illinois arrested 21,735 drivers for suspected drunk driving in 2021, and the crime resulted in 330 fatalities that year. DUI is dangerous, and getting charged with this crime can cause you severe problems in many areas of life. However, with the help of skilled Naperville DUI lawyers at Covert Marrero Covert LLP, it is possible to have a positive outcome on your case. Learn more below about DUI consequences to your life, then speak to one of our attorneys for legal advice.
What Are Penalties In Illinois For A First-Time DUI Conviction?
The first way a DUI can ruin your life is by saddling you with a criminal record and the resulting penalties. A first-time DUI in Illinois is a Class A misdemeanor, and your driver’s license will be suspended for at least one year. You could receive up to a year in jail.
If your blood alcohol level (BAC) was more than .16%, you also must pay a minimum fine of $500 and complete 100 hours of community service. If a child under 16 was in the car you will pay at least a $1,000 fine and get up to six months in jail.
The criminal penalties for a DUI conviction are merely the start of your problems. If you are convicted, you face the following collateral consequences to your life:
Employment And Education Difficulties
Many people charged with DUI have difficulty finding or keeping a job. If convicted, you are even more likely to face employment problems. When an employer runs a background check, it is likely an arrest or conviction will appear on your record. Also, having your driver’s license suspended can impede your ability to get to work and may prevent you from working in driving-related occupations. If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you risk losing it if you have a DUI conviction.
Next, your ability to get an education can be affected by a DUI charge or conviction. Certain educational institutions want you to have a clean record of attending their programs. If you are already enrolled, the school could suspend or expel you for a criminal charge.
Auto Insurance Premium Increases
If you are convicted, your auto insurance rates are sure to rise, and often by a significant amount. If your auto insurance is canceled, finding a replacement policy could be challenging.
Damaged Personal And Professional Relationships
People with DUI convictions are looked upon dimly in American society. Many people in your personal and professional circle may not want to associate as closely with you after a DUI conviction. Fortunately, with the help of a skilled DUI attorney, it is possible to fight a drunk driving charge and potentially beat it.
Charged With Drunk Driving? Contact Our Naperville DUI Lawyers Now
Few things can derail your life faster than a DUI conviction. Before you know it, you could be put behind bars, fined, and have your driver’s license suspended for drinking and driving. That’s why you need to enlist the Naperville DUI lawyers at Covert Marrero Covert LLP by dialing (630) 717-2783 now. Even a first offense is not something to take lightly, and our attorneys will strive to get your charge reduced or even dismissed.
