The potential negative consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Illinois can be devastating — logistically, legally, personally, financially, vocationally and socially.

Drunk Driving in Illinois

In Illinois, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is classified as a violent crime. Some sobering facts about Illinois DUI (driving under the influence):

• The average blood alcohol content (BAC) of Illinois DUI arrestees is .16 — twice the legal limit of .08.
• Depending on your gender, size, food intake, tolerance and other factors, you may reach the legal limit in as few as three drinks in an hour.
• According to the Illinois Secretary of State, a driver with .08 BAC is significantly impaired and 11 times more likely to die in a single-vehicle accident than a driver without any alcohol in his or her system.
• In 2007, almost 50,000 drunk driving arrests were made in Illinois.
• Over 500 people died in 2007 in Illinois alcohol-related vehicle accidents.

Statutory Summary Suspension

If you refuse or do not complete chemical testing for the presence of alcohol or drugs in your breath or blood after a DUI arrest, or if your test shows a BAC of at least .08 or even a trace of other drugs, you will face an automatic suspension of driving privileges. The length and conditions of the suspension vary with the details of the situation.

You could lose your livelihood if you need your commercial drivers license (CDL) for your job. Typically, the first summary suspension of that license will be for one year, and the second permanent.

As of 2009, a first-time offender may be eligible for driving relief during summary suspension by installing a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in his or her vehicle and obtaining a special driving permit. A BAIID tests the driver's breath for alcohol before the vehicle can start.

Criminal Penalties

Which penalties apply to a particular case vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the driver's age, number of previous convictions and BAC level; whether the driver was driving without insurance or a valid license; whether the driver was in a school zone or driving a school bus; the severity of the resulting injuries; whether the crash caused death; whether the driver left the scene; and whether a child under 16 was in the vehicle.

An Illinois DUI conviction may be a misdemeanor or a felony, also known as an aggravated DUI. Driving while intoxicated can also result in related criminal charges like an open-container charge or even a reckless homicide charge.

Possible ramifications of a criminal conviction include:

• Imprisonment
• Fines
• Loss of driving privileges, sometimes for life
• Suspension of vehicle registration
• Mandatory community service
• Probation

Other Negative Consequences

In addition to criminal penalties and summary suspension, many other damaging ramifications — official or unofficial — may occur for a drunk driver, such as:

• Court and administrative fees
• Alcohol or drug evaluation, education or treatment
• Permanent criminal record
• High-risk (and high-cost) auto insurance
• Lost wages or job loss
• Stigma and remorse
• Vehicle impoundment or seizure
• Drivers license revocation

The Illinois Secretary of State estimates the average cost of a DUI conviction at about $16,000. In severe crashes, costs may escalate to $100,000 or more for medical treatment, the damages of others harmed in the accident, litigation costs and residential substance abuse treatment programs.

Contact a Lawyer

Your best bet is not to drink at all if you are going to drive. Even one drink can affect your judgment when driving. If you are arrested on suspicion of DUI, contact an experienced lawyer as early in the process as possible to protect your legal and constitutional rights. The laws are complex, and the potential consequences can be crippling.