DUI – Car Insurance in Illinois After DUI Conviction

Reader’s Question:

My brother got his second DUI offense here in Evanston, Illinois and we all hope he doesn’t get convicted again. In case that happens, how can he get car insurance after his two DUI’s?

Francesca

Evanston, IL

We all know and understand that a DUI is a very serious charge and you can jeopardize your own life and that of other people by drinking and driving. It may be hard for your brother to get a car insurance after being charged again with his second DUI in Evanston, Illinois, especially if he gets convicted. The first thing that he would have to do is get the SR22 form procedure completed by his insurance company. This is the official documentation required for him to reinstate his license and get his car registered at the local DMV.

You brother has to submit the SR22 insurance form to the local DMV but take note that his license would be put on probation for at least two years. His car insurance premium is going to be extremely high because he will most likely be termed as a ‘high risk driver.’ In case he’s having a hard time finding a car insurance company who would give him coverage, I advise him to try and get an online rate quote from this very website because it offers DUI insurance even for second offenses.

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Drunk Driving in Illinois? Avoid Conviction!

Reader’s Question:

I have so many friends here in Cicero, Illinois who often drive drunk and I’m just afraid they might get into an accident and face DUI. How would I approach someone I know who is too drunk to drive?

Dahlia

Cicero, IL

Approaching a friend who is trying to drive drunk is one of the hardest things to do. But you can definitely intervene to avoid an accident and a DUI charge in Cicero, Illinois. You can try the direct approach, but this would probably not work with a friend who is very drunk, but it won’t hurt to try. You can ask for your friend’s keys and offer to drive or call a cab. Sometimes it would just take someone pointing out the obvious for the person to admit the problem.

You may also offer a diversion by suggesting you grab a bite to eat before heading home. This would work best if there is a place to get food within walking distance, but if not, you can still offer to drive. The food that you eat could sober your friend up, or at least provide you more time to convince him not to drive home. You can also try to explain to your friend the penalties that would be involved if he will be caught drunk driving, such as fines, possible jail time, probation, etc. DUI can also have an adverse effect on his auto insurance as it will definitely go up. Worse, he might just have someone injured or killed and he could also probably kill himself if he gets into an accident caused by drunk driving.

DUI Consequences in Illinois If Convicted?

Reader’s Question:

We are afraid but we are doing everything for my sister so that she won’t get convicted on her DUI case here in Elgin, Illinois. What could she be facing if she will be convicted?

Jake

Elgin, IL

There are a lot of consequences that could flow from your sister’s DUI case in Elgin, Illinois if she gets convicted. Loss of her driver’s license is the one on top of the list. She may also pay heavy fines, court costs and extensive administrative fees. She may also be on probation, serve time in jail state prison; her vehicle could be impounded or forfeited. She may also install an ignition interlock device on her car. She has to remember that DUI laws are strict, the prosecutors and the courts often act without mercy or discretion and the penalties are harsh.

Aside from the obvious legal consequences of dealing with the law enforcement, the courts, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there are also practical consequences that often flow from a DUI arrest or conviction. DUI is a crime and a DUI conviction will give your sister a permanent “criminal” record. She can lose her job or be prevented certain future employment, especially if it is state job, law enforcement-associated or involves driving. A DUI conviction can also cause her insurance rates to skyrocket and insurance companies sometimes will cancel her coverage altogether. If that happens, your sister can definitely get an online rate quote for her car insurance from this website.

Tags: car insurance, drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI lawyer, DUI penalties

I Was Charged With DUI – Arraignment Process in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

I was charged with DUI in Peoria, Illinois and it’s nearing my first court date and I don’t know what would happen. Could you give me an idea as to what should I expect during the arraignment of my DUI case?

MJ

Peoria, IL

If you haven’t hired a DUI lawyer to represent you on your DUI charge in Peoria, Illinois, you would have to attend your arraignment. The date, time and location of your first court meeting are on your ticket or somewhere else in your paperwork. At some point during your arraignment, the judge would ask you to enter a plea to the charges. Then you would have to plead either guilty or not guilty to the DUI charge. Depending on the plea that you would enter, the judge would ask you several questions to determine if you want to waive your constitutional rights, including your right to a speedy jury trial.

If you enter a guilty plea on your DUI charge, the judge would likely pass sentence immediately. The sentence would vary depending on the charges you face, the specific judge assigned to your case and the county you are charged in. At minimum, most DUI cases entail some time in jail or a program that counts as jail, a substantial fine, probation and DUI school.

Illinois DUI Case Going to Trial – How Long Will It Take?

Reader’s Question:

I just wonder how long it will take if I fight my DUI case here in Illinois. I am thinking that I just work out a deal rather than going to trial to get this over and done with. Is it true that a DUI trial could take months?

Zaire

Berwyn, IL

Yes, if you take your DUI case in Berwyn, Illinois to trial in front of either a judge or a jury, it would take you some number of months. There could be two or three court dates before a trial, which would probably be six months out. It could take a total of six months to a year for the case to be resolved for a jury trial. There is a possibility to skip preliminary motions and schedule a bench trial immediately in some circumstances. This would usually limit your DUI defense options so it does have disadvantages but it could give you a chance to resolve the case in two months or less.

If you work out a deal rather than going to trial, it would be very likely that you can have the minimum penalty available under the law. Your DUI case would be continued without a finding for one year. The judge would suspend your license for 45 days (consecutive with the six-month breath test refusal or 90-day failure suspension), and you would pay a number of fees and fines. The conditions of your probation would be that you attend and complete the alcohol education program.