The state of Illinois levies harsh penalties against those convicted of a DUI offense. Even though this is true, there are alternative sentencing options that you may be able to pursue if you have been charged with a DUI.
Going over the most notable alternative sentencing options available to DUI offenders and speaking with an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney will allow you to obtain the best possible legal outcome.
Watch Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow discuss why a DUI charge is very serious and why working with an attorney is the best way to protect yourself on YouTube and TikTok.
Sentencing Option 01: The Installation Of An Ignition Interlock Device
If you are convicted of a DUI, you could be forced to install an ignition interlock device. This device measures your current blood alcohol level by analyzing your breath. And, if your breath has alcohol in it, your car won’t start.
Many people depend on their vehicle to get to work and spend time with their family, among other possibilities. This can be problematic, as a DUI conviction can, and often does, lead to the removal of your driving privileges.
To avoid the loss of your driving privileges, you may be able to obtain an ignition interlock device. By doing so, you can retain your driving privileges and, in turn, avoid some of the more serious consequences a DUI can create.
Sentencing Option 02: Community Service
If you are convicted of a DUI, you could be asked to perform community service. By doing so, you can avoid many of the other consequences of a DUI conviction, such as incarceration.
The exact community service you may be sentenced to is dependent on different factors. That being said, there is a strong chance that you may be sentenced to many hours of community service, which may affect your life.
Even though community service can be difficult and sometimes annoying, it is often better than many of the other consequences of a DUI.
Sentencing Option 03: A Substance Abuse Treatment Program
If you are convicted of a DUI, you could be sentenced to a substance abuse treatment program. By partaking in this program, you can, ideally, address the reason why you were driving while under the influence.
The length of your substance abuse treatment program – not to mention the cost, of course – is dependent on a number of factors. That said, a substance abuse treatment program is often far better than incarceration.
Right after you complete the substance abuse treatment program you were sentenced to, you may have other conditions that must be satisfied. These might include community service and probation, among many others.
Get Qualified Legal Help
You can learn more about why a DUI charge requires an attorney by watching the video found at this link.
If you need representation for a reckless conduct charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
Our team has helped thousands of people who have been charged with crimes in Illinois. When we take cases, we do so to win. This means we take cases to trial. We don’t arrange plea bargains unless it is in the best interest of our clients. As proactive lawyers, we fight aggressively and support our clients throughout their entire case up to and including appeals.
Protecting your life and freedom is always the goal, and with our decades of experience practicing law, we know how to get results. This is why we are regularly invited to appear as a legal contributor on popular radio and news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox NEWS.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.