If you’ve been charged with aggravated DUI in Chicago, the penalties can be severe. Aggravated DUI is a more serious charge than a standard DUI and occurs when certain aggravating factors are involved, such as driving with a high blood alcohol content (BAC), having a child passenger in the vehicle, or causing injury or death. These circumstances result in harsher penalties under Illinois law, which can have long-lasting consequences on your life.
In Illinois, DUI offenses are already taken seriously, but when factors like these make the charge aggravated, the penalties can become significantly more severe. For instance, if you’re caught driving under the influence with a child passenger or if you cause an auto accident that results in injury or death, you will face larger fines, longer license suspensions, and additional prison time. Understanding the penalties for aggravated DUI is crucial for anyone facing such charges. The legal ramifications are complex, but with a Chicago DUI defense lawyer, you can explore options to potentially reduce or avoid the harshest outcomes.
Penalties For Aggravated DUI In Illinois
Under Illinois law, aggravated DUI can carry severe penalties. Some of the most common scenarios that lead to an aggravated DUI charge include driving under the influence while causing injury, driving with a suspended or revoked license, or having a child passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle. The penalties vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
- License Revocation – An aggravated DUI conviction typically leads to a long-term suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. In some cases, this suspension could last up to 10 years, making it difficult to drive for a significant period.
- Fines – Aggravated DUI fines can be substantial. Depending on the offense, fines can range from $2,500 to $25,000. These penalties are designed to deter people from committing aggravated DUI offenses in the future.
- Jail or Prison Time – A conviction can lead to jail time, especially if serious injuries or fatalities were a result of your actions. The sentencing guidelines vary depending on the circumstances, but penalties can include several years of imprisonment. Aggravated DUI is often classified as a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison. If the case involves severe injury or death, the offense can be classified as a Class 2 felony, resulting in a prison term of three to seven years.
- Probation – In some cases, a judge may offer probation instead of jail time, especially if you don’t have prior offenses. However, probation conditions can still be strict and may include mandatory alcohol treatment, community service, or electronic monitoring.
- Increased Penalties for Injuries and Death – If the aggravated DUI resulted in significant injury or death, the penalties could increase dramatically. For example, a DUI involving death is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and a DUI that results in great bodily harm could result in 3 to 7 years in prison.
Illinois Aggravated DUI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Aggravated DUI In Illinois?
Aggravated DUI in Illinois is when certain factors make the DUI charge more serious than a standard DUI. These factors can include causing injury or death while driving under the influence, having a child passenger in the vehicle, or driving with a suspended or revoked license. These circumstances lead to harsher penalties than a standard DUI conviction.
What Are The Penalties For Aggravated DUI With Injury In Illinois?
If you are convicted of aggravated DUI involving injury, you can face a significant prison sentence, which can range from 3 to 7 years. In addition, you could be fined up to $25,000 and face a lengthy license suspension. If the injury is severe or if it leads to death, the penalties can be even harsher.
How Long Will My License Be Suspended For Aggravated DUI?
The suspension period for aggravated DUI can vary, but in most cases, a conviction can result in a suspension of at least one year. If the offense involved serious injury or death, your license could be revoked for several years. For some offenders, a license suspension of up to 10 years is possible.
What Are The Penalties For Aggravated DUI With A Child Passenger In Illinois?
If you are convicted of aggravated DUI with a child passenger under 16 years old, you could face severe penalties, including up to 12 years in prison, along with fines and license suspension. The Illinois court takes these cases very seriously and imposes harsh penalties to discourage driving under the influence with children in the vehicle.
Can I Fight An Aggravated DUI Charge?
Yes, it is possible to fight an aggravated DUI charge. An experienced DUI defense attorney can examine the details of your case to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Defending against an aggravated DUI charge may involve challenging the accuracy of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, or the legality of the traffic stop.
Contact Our Chicago Aggravated DUI Defense Attorney For A Free Consultation
If you or a loved one is facing an aggravated DUI charge in Chicago, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced DUI defense attorney. At Edward Johnson & Associates, we understand how serious these charges can be and are dedicated to providing the best defense possible.
Contact our Chicago aggravated DUI defense lawyer at Edward Johnson & Associates P.C. to receive a free consultation by calling 708-762-8666. We serve clients throughout the Chicagoland metro area and are ready to fight for your rights.