If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), Illinois has a simple system for determining your penalty. An experienced DUI Lawyer Matteson Illinois can help you obtain a just settlement or courtroom victory. Contact us at 815-290-9170 or 708-919-5415 for a consultation.
The legal consequences differ depending on whether you’ve had previous offenses, the severity of the offense, and whether or not there’s also been an accident. That is why it is extremely important to have attorneys, like The MacNeil Firm, on your side that can provide personal and professional legal services for you.
A First-Time DUI Conviction
A first-time DUI conviction is a serious offense and can result in jail time, fines and other penalties.
You could be fined for a first time offense. The fine amount varies depending on whether there were aggravating factors involved with your case (such as having an accident while driving drunk). It could cost anywhere between $1,500-$5,000 per count depending on how many counts are being charged against you.
A first-time offender may also be sentenced to up to one year in jail for his or her offense. Judges may give you probation instead of putting you behind bars and that may include things like community service and alcohol education classes.
A Second Time DUI Offense
A second DUI in Illinois is a Class A misdemeanor and carries a penalty of fines, license suspension and possible jail time. Fines can range from $1,200 to $5,000 depending on your blood alcohol level and whether there were passengers in the car.
The blood alcohol level and also the age of passengers in the car also help determine if you will receive community service or jail time. A second DUI conviction involving a passenger under the age of 16 years is an aggravated DUI and a class 2 felony. This means there will likely be additional community service hours and longer jail sentences if convicted. Your license may be revoked for five year if this is your second offense in a twenty year period.
In order to fight your DUI charge and make sure you do not incur harsh legal penalties, contact The MacNeil Firm today. Our DUI lawyer Matteson Illinois will do everything possible to get the case dismissed or get you a just settlement or judgment.
Reckless Driving and DUI Car Accidents
Reckless driving is a criminal offense in Illinois. It’s defined as operating a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the safety or property of others and shows a wanton disregard for the rights of others.
In recent years, reckless driving has become more common as an add-on charge when someone is arrested on suspicion of DUI. This type of charge can be added to any other DUI-related charges when there was some sort of accident during your arrest or while you were being taken into custody by police officers who were investigating your behavior behind the wheel.
Reckless driving carries stiff penalties that are independent from those associated with DUIs. In addition, if an accident occurred, there can be a more serious charge and you can face greater penalties.
Additional consequences of DUI
No matter what legal consequence you receive, a conviction will be a permanent part of your driving record. In addition, if you have to attend classes or complete community service hours, you could lose work time. It may also be difficult for you to navigate the day to day elements of life, if you have your license suspended. In smaller towns, public transportation is not as common, and cars are more heavily relied upon. Not having a license may make it more difficult to go to work, to the store, or to visit with family and friends.
Another thing that is likely to happen if you have a DUI conviction is your auto insurance will go up. You will likely be required to carry high-risk insurance for a few year, which is more expensive.
Contact an DUI Lawyer Matteson Illinois to help you
The best way to fight a DUI charge is with the help of an experienced attorney. When you are looking for a DUI lawyer Matteson Illinois, it is important to find one who has experience with DUI cases.
Our firm has a reputation for success in handling these types of cases. We understand the intricacies of the law and can provide you with a superior DUI defense. We will take the time to thoroughly evaluate your case and explain all of the procedures involved and options available to you.
A DUI conviction can have long-term consequences on your life and future job opportunities. You should not try to handle this situation alone. You need professional help from someone who knows the law and how it applies to your case. Contact The MacNeil Firm today.
