A dinner out with friends often sounds like a great idea. A nice dinner, stimulating conversation and a relaxing drink or two can make for a nice evening. However, this wonderful evening can be cut short in a matter of minutes if flashing lights suddenly appear in the rearview mirror. What began as a wonderful evening can suddenly end with drunk driving charges if Illinois law enforcement officers suspect that the driver has exceeded the legal limit.
The legal blood alcohol limit in Illinois is currently .08 for those of legal age. If stopped for suspicion of drunk driving, the driver will likely be asked to submit to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test. Illinois law assumes that as a driver within the state, one has given implied consent for such a test. The individual may refuse to submit to the BAC test; however, the administrative penalty for such refusal is a one year loss of one’s driver’s license.
If convicted of drunk driving, the individual faces loss of his or her driver’s license for a period of one year if it is a first offense. He or she may apply to have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in his or her vehicle to allow travel to and from work as well as other necessary locations. This option is only available to first offenders.
A drunk driving conviction can present serious consequences for the individual. In addition to the loss of driver’s license, the individual also faces financial penalties and the possibility of up to one year in jail. When one is facing such charges, an experienced legal team can work to protect the client’s rights throughout the ordeal and as the case goes before a judge in an Illinois criminal court.