Prescription and nonprescription drugs can impair your ability to drive, so the state of Illinois has laws against it. The criminal offense of driving under the influence of a controlled substance carries serious consequences in Illinois. If you are facing DUI charges, our drug lawyer Lynwood Illinois is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947.
The applicable statute states that a person shall not drive while under the influence of any intoxicating compound or combination of intoxicating compounds to a degree that renders the person incapable of driving safely. The laws in Illinois make it clear that driving under the influence of drugs (DUI) is illegal and can result in penalties ranging from fines to jail time.
Illinois is one of more than 20 states that have established zero tolerance laws for minors driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In Illinois, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater.
The law also includes being high on any substance that affects your ability to drive safely. It is unlawful for you to drive if you have any amount of a drug or intoxicating compound listed in the Illinois Controlled Substance Act, Intoxicating Compounds Act, or Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.
The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs range
The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs range from fines to jail time, depending on the type of drug that was in your system. A first-time charge for any DUI (drugs or alcohol) is generally a misdemeanor. Driving privileges are revoked for a minimum one year. Other penalties include the potential for jail time of up to 1 year and up to $2,500 in fines.
Penalties can also increase if any child under 16 years old is in the vehicle when the driver was under the influence of drugs. In this situation, Illinois may impose a possible jail sentence of up to six months, a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children. If it is a second or third offense, the penalties may be more severe.
If you were arrested for a DUI, the police may also have probably cause to search your person and your vehicle. If that is the case and they find a controlled substance, you may also be facing possession charges.
A conviction for driving under the influence of a controlled substance can be life-changing. In addition to possible jail time, a suspended license, and expensive fines, a criminal conviction will result in a criminal record. In most cases, a DUI is not eligible for expungement to clear the conviction off your record.
Criminal convictions are part of the public record and can be accessed by just about anyone. That means that institutions of higher education may deny you admittance. Landlords may reject your application for housing. You could also lose your job or have difficulty finding a job. A drug lawyer Lynwood Illinois can help protect your future. The MacNeil Firm knows how important it is for you to be able to move forward after a mistake like that. That is why we will do everything we can to make sure you have a positive outcome for your case.
Prescription Drugs
Even if you are prescribed medication, if your ability to drive is impaired, it is still illegal for you to get behind the wheel. The penalties for a DUI conviction involving prescription drugs are generally the same as for alcohol or other drugs. Penalties depend on a number of factors, including whether the driver has prior impaired driving offenses. Other aggravating factors may include whether children were in the vehicle at the time, or if the driver was involved in an injury accident.
It’s important to know how medication can affect you. If you’re taking medication, be sure to test yourself before getting behind the wheel, especially if you feel drowsy or tired. Your doctor should be able to tell you what kind of side effects your medications might have and how they will affect your driving.
Additionally, most drug companies include warnings on their packaging about possible drowsiness and other adverse reactions when combined with alcohol. It’s also important for people who take prescription drugs like antidepressants or sedatives (like Xanax) to know how much those medications impact them.
At The MacNeil Firm, our drug lawyer Lynwood Illinois is here to help.
There can be DUI charges and severe consequences for driving while intoxicated from a drug. Whether it is an illegal drug or a prescription, if it impairs your ability to drive, you cannot operate a vehicle. If you have been arrested and charged, our drug lawyer Lynwood Illinois will fight to protect your rights. Contact us today.
