Sometimes Connecticut residents travel to other states, like Illinois, for business or pleasure and have the unfortunate luck to be charged with a DUI. If this happens to you, you should first find a qualified DUI lawyer in Illinois, but you should also be aware of how Connecticut’s DMV will treat you upon your return.
If you have been convicted of a DUI in Illinois, you would be convicted of violating section 625 ILCS 5/11-501 of the Illinois statute.
Illinois DUI Penalties
In Illinois, the penalties for DUI can range depending on the number of prior DUI offenses you have.
First offense (BAC .159 or lower): This conviction will result in imprisonment for as long as one year and fines up to $2,500. In addition, your vehicle registration will be suspended and your driving privileges will be revoked for one year.
First offense (BAC .16 or higher): In addition to the penalties listed above, there is another fine of $500 and you must perform 100 hours of community service.
Aggravated first offense: If you are charged with a DUI while transporting a child who is younger than 16 and you cause an accident, resulting in harm to the child, it will be classified as an aggravated offense. The penalties for this offense are 1-3 years in prison, a fine of $2,500-$25,000, and mandatory community service for 25 days in a program that benefits children.
Second offense (BAC .159 or lower): This conviction carries a jail sentence of up to one year as well as a fine of up to $2,500, five days of imprisonment are mandatory or you must perform 240 hours of community service. In addition, your license will be revoked for at least five years, and your vehicle registration will be suspended.
Second offense (BAC .16 or higher): In addition to the punishments listed above, there is a mandatory prison sentence of two days and a fine of $1,250.
Aggravated second offense (no harm to child): This offense is a felony. It will result in a prison sentence of 1-3 years and a fine of up to $25,000.
Aggravated second offense (harm to child): This offense is also considered a felony. You could spend 3-7 years in prison and face a fine of no less than $5,000 and no more than $25,000. In addition, you must spend 25 days serving the community in a program that benefits children.
Third offense (BAC .159 or lower): This felony will result in a prison sentence of 3-7 years, a fine of up to $25,000, revocation of your license for at least 10 years, and suspension of your vehicle registration.
Third offense (BAC .16 or higher): In addition to any other punishments, you will have to spend a minimum of 90 days in jail and you must pay a fine of $2,500.
Aggravated third offense: This conviction carries a fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service to be performed at a program that benefits children. These punishments will be added to regular third offense punishments.
Fourth offense (BAC .159 or lower): This felony will result in a prison sentence of 3-7 years, a fine of up to $25,000, revocation of your license indefinitely, and suspension of your vehicle registration.
Fourth offense (BAC .16 or higher): An additional $5,000 fine will be required if you are convicted of a fourth DUI with a BAC of .16 or higher.
Aggravated fourth offense: This conviction carries a fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service to be performed at a program that benefits children. These punishments will be added to regular fourth offense punishments.
Fifth offense (BAC .159 or lower): This felony will result in a prison sentence of 4-15 years, a fine of up to $25,000, revocation of your license indefinitely, and suspension of your vehicle registration.
Fifth offense (BAC .16 or higher): An additional $5,000 fine will be required if you are convicted of a fifth DUI with a BAC of .16 or higher.
Aggravated fifth offense: This conviction carries a fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service to be performed at a program that benefits children. These punishments will be added to regular fifth offense punishments.
Sixth/subsequent offense (BAC .159 or lower): This felony will result in a prison sentence of 6-30 years, a fine of up to $25,000, revocation of your license indefinitely, and suspension of your vehicle registration.
Sixth/subsequent offense (.16 or higher): An additional $5,000 fine will be required if you are convicted of a sixth DUI with a BAC of .16 or higher.
Aggravated sixth/subsequent offense: This conviction carries a fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service to be performed at a program that benefits children. These punishments will be added to regular sixth offense punishments.
If you are a Connecticut resident who has been charged with or convicted of DUI in Illinois, you should be aware that there are repercussions on your Connecticut license in your home state in addition to any license impact in Illinois as set forth above.
If you are a Connecticut resident charged with a DUI in Illinois, you should get in touch with a Connecticut lawyer. Attorney Ruane also recommends Attorney Sarah Toney for your Illinois DUI defense.