What are the penalties for a REPEAT DUI offender?

There is no shortage of statistics available to show the dangerous effects of driving while under the influence of alcohol. The ones most frequently cited are those regarding DUI-related crash fatalities. In 2012, a full 35% of total crash fatalities were alcohol related in Illinois. You can thus assume that Illinois takes its DUI laws seriously.

Unfortunately repeat DUI’s happen all the time – www.newser.com/story/190572/man-who-killed-family-pleads-guilty-to-2nd-dui.html

Repeat offenders in Illinois are not treated lightly. Assuming no crash or injury, a second conviction of DUI is considered a Class A misdemeanor and results in revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of five years, suspension of vehicle registration, up to $2, 500 in fines, and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five days or 240 hours of community service.

Third DUI convictions are even more serious: They are considered “aggravated DUI” and become upgraded to a Class 2 felony, driving privileges get revoked for a minimum of 10 years, suspension of vehicle registration, up to $2, 500 in fines, and a possible prison sentence of between 3-5 years.

Penalties for fourth, fifth, sixth, or subsequent convictions are all not only considered aggravated DUI and felony convictions, but also carry with them substantially increased penalties the extremes which include revocation of driving privileges for life, $25, 000 in fines, and up to 30 years of prison, depending on the circumstances.

Aside from the legal consequences, there are many others things that impact a person’s life. A DUI conviction goes permanently on to an offender’s driving record; they are required to carry high-risk auto insurance for three years; and they may lose work time and income. There is a great deal at stake for repeat DUI offenders in Illinois, and choosing a qualified DUI defense attorney is critical. Your attorney can present to you the best defense strategies and options available to you. You can learn more @ www.acosta-law-group.com/criminal-defense/dui-lawyer-chicago or see our case results for DUI law cases @ www.acosta-law-group.com/chicago-criminal-lawyer-case-results/