If you’re facing DUI charges in the Prairie State, you should call an attorney. Law enforcement personnel in Illinois take drinking and driving seriously, and the penalties for a conviction are severe. Here’s what is at stake if the police accuse you of DUI. 

If It’s Your First Offense

Excluding any aggravating factors, a first-offense DUI is a class A misdemeanor. As such, it carries a maximum jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,500, and court supervision for up to two years. Attorneys must often remind clients that there are also administrative penalties imposed by the DMV. In this case, offenders face a license suspension of at least one year. 

If It’s Your Second Offense

Although considered a class A misdemeanor, the second DUI conviction carries more severe penalties than the first offense. These include up to one year in jail with a mandatory minimum of five days (or 240 hours of community service), a fine of up to $2,500, and a minimum license suspension of five years. 

If It’s Your Third Offense 

Drinking and driving with two DUI convictions on your record is considered a class 2 felony. If convicted, you face up to seven years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail (or 480 hours of community service), a fine of up to $25,000, and a minimum 10-year license suspension. You will also be on probation for 48 months. 

If law enforcement charges you with drinking and driving in Illinois, turn to the Larry J. Keller Attorney at Law. Located in Waterloo, this firm has tireless DUI/traffic attorneys with the resources and experience to devise a strategic defense for every client. For more than three decades, their lawyers have been advocating for those who’ve found themselves on the wrong side of the law. To get in touch with one of their attorneys and start building your case, call (618) 939-8999 or reach out on their website.