Is a Drunk Driving Offense in Illinois Serious?

Reader’s Question:

Why do people, especially here in Illinois, think that drunk driving or DUI is a serious offense? Isn’t it that DUI is just a simple offense?

Oliver

Berwyn, IL

People, most especially there in Berwyn, Illinois, think that drunk driving or driving under the influence is a serious offense because it simply is. DUI is not just any other traffic offense because it is nevertheless a criminal offense. In fact, DUI is one of the most serious driving offenses in the US. Although there are a lot of driving offenses, DUI often results in serious consequences and it is likely to have grave implications on your future. It is a crime if you are driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more and driver’s license could be suspended or revoked if you are found guilty of the DUI offense. It would also make life difficult and costly through increased insurance fees and hefty fines.

The US takes DUI offense very seriously, as it should be. Drunk driving in states like Illinois are set forth by a statute and Illinois DUI Laws could be incredibly complex. The consequences could vary in different states and with different instances, but the basic penalties under the DUI laws tend to remain almost the same.

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.