We have all been there. You are excited to have a day off of work, ready to barbeque, relax, and enjoy some alcoholic beverages. One drink turns into several drinks, and by the end of your Fourth of July party, you are feeling a bit woozy, but you think you are okay to drive. You get your keys and start driving. No matter who or where you are, getting into your car after a Fourth of July party while drunk could be a mistake that impacts your life forever.
Police Departments Around Illinois Will be Cracking Down on Drunk Driving
The Illinois State Police will work with over 160 local sheriff and police departments this Fourth of July. Police forces will be out to keep impaired drivers off the road. Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns come about through the Illinois Department of Transportation. Illinois campaigns like Life or Death Illinois work to decrease fatalities due to drunk driving.
Tips for Avoiding a DUI Conviction This Fourth of July
Here are a few steps you can take before you start your Fourth of July fun. Taking proactive steps can mean the difference between an Illinois DUI conviction and merely having a fun, relaxing holiday weekend.
- If you find yourself impaired by marijuana use, drug use or alcohol, call a taxi or ride-sharing service, or call a sober family member.
- Pick a designated driver and give him or her your car keys before you even start drinking so there is zero chance you will drink and drive.
- If you are driving on holiday weekends and are worried about drunk drivers, make sure everyone in your car is wearing a seatbelt. Also if you see a driver you suspect to be under the influence, pull over, call 911 and report them.
Illinois DUI Laws
If your blood alcohol content is at or above .08%, you are not legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle in Illinois. If you are 21 years of age or younger and have any amount of alcohol in your system, you may be charged with a DUI if you get behind the wheel. If you are planning to celebrate this Fourth of July, make sure you do not drink and drive. If you are pulled over and show any amount of alcohol in your blood, you can be charged with a DUI. Even if you have one beer and drive, you are putting yourself at risk for a DUI charge.
A DUI charge is a class A misdemeanor. If you are a first-time offender, you will face a mandatory suspension of your driver’s license. Second and third-time offenders will likely face jail time. Your driving privileges will become limited and may be revoked entirely. If you have previous traffic convictions or are caught driving without a driver’s license while intoxicated, your DUI may become a felony.
Fight Fourth of July Drunk Driving Charges with the Help of an Illinois DUI Defense Attorney
Do not let one day of fun turn into a legal nightmare. If you have been charged with a DUI, you need an experienced Cook County criminal defense attorney. For more information, please contact Glasgow & Olsson. You can schedule a consultation with one of our DUI defense attorneys by completing a consultation request form.
(image courtesy of Paul Weaver)