Illinois Teen Driver Drunk Driving Penalties

Reader’s Question:

I’m very much furious but at the same time very much concerned because my teenage son was arrested for DUI for the first time in Oak Park, Illinois. I wonder if the penalties for teenage drunk driving are the same for those over 21 years of age convicted of DUI. What are the penalties for teenage DUI in Illinois?

Dahlia

Oak Park, IL

It’s very alarming that more and more teenagers are consuming alcohol, more so being involved in drunk driving. Teenagers are more likely the swaggering type for their “I can handle it” syndrome. They think that they can handle their alcohol consumption and say that they haven’t had enough to seriously impair them. Perhaps we could blame it on the greatest influence on teenagers and their drinking and driving which is peer pressure. Peer pressure is a very powerful force that’s why teens feel that it is very important for them to know that they’re “in.” It’s also a saddening fact that the average college student actually spends more money for alcohol than for books.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens that’s why even the legal consequences of underage drinking and driving are getting tougher. Since your teenage son was arrested for his first DUI in Oak Park, Illinois, don’t be surprised that Illinois DUI laws would be hard on him if he will be convicted. For first underage DUI conviction, penalties include loss of full driving privileges for a minimum of two years. He could also be imprisoned for up to one year and could pay maximum $2,500 in fines.

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.