The Consequences of a DUI Charge in Illinois

 Posted on June 05,2019 in DUI

Drunk driving is a serious problem with serious consequences. It is important that all Illinois drivers be aware of the consequences of drunk driving.

Criminal Consequences

Criminal consequences of a DWI charge include: bail and conditions of release from custody, jail time, probation, court-ordered chemical dependency evaluation, and random testing.

Jail time and fines vary based on the degree and circumstances of the DUI charge.

Probation is meant to help the DWI offender in reintegrating into society as a law abiding citizen. While on probation, offenders are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. They are also often required to obtain a chemical dependency evaluation and psychological assessment.

Chemical dependency evaluations are used to determine how dependent a person is on a chemical such as drugs or alcohol. These are very commonly required following a DUI charge. If a dependency is found, the DUI offender is usually required to seek treatment in the form of rehabilitation, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and other mandatory classes.

Civil Consequences

Civil consequences of a DUI conviction include: driver’s license revocation, vehicle forfeiture, license plate impoundment, and increased insurance rates.

Driver’s license revocation is problematic for most people who rely on driving themselves to work every day, or driving their kids to school or daycare.

A vehicle used in the course of various DUI offenses may also have its license plates impounded. Plate impoundment is an administrative action, which means it can be imposed quickly, and in most cases occurs directly following the arrest. Impoundment happens at the time of the arrest if law enforcement revokes an eligible person’s driving privileges because the person failed or refuses to give a blood alcohol concentration test.

Insurance rates are severely impacted by having a DUI offense on your record. When you receive a DUI charge, two notations enter your traffic record. These notations are visible to insurance companies. When your insurance provider sees a DUI charge on your record they will either drop your coverage or offer you “risk insurance,” which is coverage with over inflated prices (usually around $2 – $10 thousand over the next 10 years).