DUI Alcohol Treatment Facility in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

My sister got a charge for DUI here in Orland Park, Illinois and she is under an alcohol evaluation now. It is said that this evaluation would determine the treatment level she would be classified as. I heard something like minimal and moderate risk, what does this mean?

Ryan
Orland Park, IL

Because of your sister’s DUI arrest in Illinois, she must have an alcohol evaluation in order to be eligible to apply for a restricted driving permit (RDP). She must also complete the treatment recommended at an agency licensed by the Illinois Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (OASA). The things that you have mentioned such as minimal and moderate risk are two of the classifications of the treatment levels.

Minimal risk or Level 1 should complete an Alcohol or Drug Risk Education course that is usually for 10 hours. This level could only be recommended for DUI offenders who, at minimum, have no prior DUI license suspensions or dispositions, those who have submitted to blood alcohol test with blood alcohol content (BAC) level of less than 0.15 and those who were not diagnosed with any other recognized symptoms of substance abuse or dependence.

Moderate risk or Level 2M should also complete an Alcohol or Drug Risk Education course usually for 10 hours and an Early Intervention Counseling Program which is a minimum of 12 hours. This level could be recommended for DUI offenders who, at minimum, have no prior DUI license suspensions or dispositions, submitted to blood alcohol test with BAC of 0.15 to 0.19 and were not diagnosed with any other recognized symptoms of substance abuse or dependence.

DUI Blood Alcohol Test in Illinois – How Accurate Are They?

Reader’s Question:

I know that there are certain ways to measure alcohol in the system during a DUI investigation in Wheaton, Illinois. What is the most accurate scientific method for alcohol testing?

Jaden

Wheaton, IL

Even if consumed in small amounts, alcohol could have a noticeable effect on the body. When taken in large amounts, alcohol could act as a sedative and depresses the central nervous system. Blood alcohol test is commonly used to find out whether a person is legally drunk or intoxicated. Blood alcohol test checks the amount of alcohol in the blood if a person is suspected to be driving under the influence. In a DUI investigation in  Illinois, consent may be required, but refusing to take the test could have legal consequences.

Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the standard for measuring the degree to which an individual is impaired by alcohol. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between the BAC and the degree to which reactions and judgments are impaired. Gas Chromatography is the method used for blood alcohol testing and is considered the most accurate forensic quality test in the industry today. But drawing of blood is an invasive and expensive procedure.

Illinois DUI Charge – What Will It Cost Me?

Reader’s Question:

They say that even if I don’t fight my DUI case, it would still affect my finances greatly. Will it cost me too much money if I lose my DUI case here in Des Plaines, Illinois?

Alfred

Des Plaines, IL

The costs of a DUI arrest are great both emotionally and financially. It’s true that even if you don’t fight your DUI case in Des Plaines, Illinois, there would still be a big hit on your finances. But I still suggest you would because the fines and surcharges if you lose your DUI case could be unimaginable. Aside from the fines, penalties and surcharges that the court can impose on you, you might also have to pay for an ignition interlock device if the judge decides it is necessary. This device is a breathalyzer put in the steering column of your car. The vehicle would not start unless it shows that your blood alcohol content is below a certain level.

It would also cost you money if your driver’s license is taken from you when you are arrested. For 30 days, you would have a “temporary license” in which you could still legally drive. If your driver’s license is suspended by the DMV, you could apply for a temporary license, but there would be fees to pay for that too. And if you continue to drive a vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended, you would also incur additional criminal charges and all the costs involved.

Illinois Blood Alcohol Test – Do You Refuse?

Reader’s Question:

I have heard from someone that Kane County, Illinois is implementing a no-refusal weekend with regard to blood alcohol testing for people suspected of driving under the influence. What that this mean and how helpful would this be in the prevention of DUI?

Lucy

Elgin, IL

Kane County, Illinois officials say that people suspected of driving under the influence will only have the choice to either voluntarily have their blood alcohol content measured by urine, blood or breath test or they will have their blood drawn involuntarily.

The Kane County’s State’s Attorney recently announced the No Refusal Weekend but did not answer questions about what weekend the forced blood draws will occur. Search warrants have been written in advance in preparation for No Refusal weekend. Police officers would only have to fill in specific details in each DUI case and have an assistant state’s attorney review it before it is signed by a judge. The Kane County Health Department would supply phlebotomists to do the blood draws.

Officials are also optimistic that when faced with an order for an involuntary blood draw, most DUI suspects would agree to take a breath test instead and that more DUI suspects would take plea deals rather than go to trial.

DUI in Illinois – What Happens If I am Caught?

Reader’s Question:

I am an occasional drinker and when I drink, I usually just drive myself home. I have never been charged with DUI here in Joliet, Illinois, but if I will be caught drunk driving, what do I stand to lose?

Clay

Joliet, IL

If you are a drinker, it’s a good thing that you want to know what you stand to lose by driving drunk. To know why this is such a bad idea is essential to help you plan before you head out to party and drink and drive yourself home.

In the state of Illinois, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent. If you are caught in Joliet, Illinois with a BAC that is higher than the limit, you could lose your license, head to jail, or be asked to perform community service. Of course, you will have to pay fines for a DUI offense. Education and alcohol treatment may also be a requirement and you will have to pay for these classes and assessments.

If you lose your driving privileges, you would have to do several things before you can get it back. First, you would have to pay a steep fine on top of the fines that you have already paid and you would have to complete an alcohol education course in order to get it back.

If you get your license back, you would have to prove that you are insured but your insurance company may also drop your coverage. You can find another insurance provider to cover you, but it would be expensive. You will be tagged as a ‘high risk’ driver if you have a DUI offense, thus insurance companies may charge high premiums. So with that said, it would be far better to avoid the DUI at all costs than to deal with these expenses.

Illinois DUI – How Much Does Ignition Interlock Cost?

Reader’s Question:

My daughter is in trial right now because of a DUI charge here in Illinois. Aside from the grueling fact that she might be paying a hefty fine, I was told that she would have to install an ignition interlock device in her car if she will be convicted. What is this machine and how much does it cost?

Steve

Naperville, IL

An ignition interlock device measures blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver by blowing into it and if alcohol is detected, it prohibits the car from starting. It would also test drivers periodically while the car is running.

The ignition interlock law in Illinois for DUI convicts is being called the most stringent in the country. It was mandated in September 2007 for people with one drunk driving conviction in the state. So even first-time DUI offenders are required to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. The Secretary of State’s office will monitor all breath test results from the ignition interlock devices.

Under the new Illinois ignition interlock law, the ignition interlock device would be rented and cost $150 to install. The monthly fee would be $100, just another reason to not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This monthly cost would cover monitoring by the Secretary of State’s office and the ignition interlock manufacturer.

Illinois DUI Lawyer For Teen Driver

Reader’s Question:

My 17-year old son was arrested a little over a week ago and was charged with DUI here in Illinois. What is the underage drunk driving law here in Illinois? Will my son go to jail? Should I hire a DUI lawyer to fight the charge?

Jerome

Rockford, IL

Drinking and driving is a high risk proposition for someone under the age of 21. Even if the blood alcohol content (BAC) is under the legal limit of .08 percent that only applies to drivers over the age of 21.

In the state of Illinois, your son might be facing a harsh sentence. If he will be convicted with DUI, he will face consequences for his actions.

His driver’s license will be revoked for a minimum of two years but he may be issued a restricted license after one year. He may be fined up to $2500 and will serve a jail sentence of up to one year. He may also be directed to join a Youthful Intoxicated Driver’s Visitation Program.

The sentence may seem unpleasant for someone who is under 21 but the law aims the threat of losing the freedom to drive for two years would convince people under 21 to not drink and drive.