No matter the circumstances that led to your DUI or the resulting consequences of said DUI, one thing must be understood: a DUI is very, very serious and, if you do not take care of it, can lead to the loss of your current lifestyle.
Going over the significance of a DUI and speaking with a Chicago DUI defense attorney will allow you to protect yourself from the problems that a DUI creates.
Watch Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow discuss the importance of hiring a DUI attorney on YouTube and TikTok.
What Happens If You Get A DUI?
The consequences of a DUI are as follows:
- A possible jail sentence of up to one year.
- A maximum fine of no more than $2,500.
- A license revocation of one year.
Every single one of these consequences can change your life for the worse.
Outside of the consequences outlined above, there is one more thing to note: if you have already been convicted of a DUI, then the consequences become significantly worse.
Just as an example, if you have already received one DUI, then if you get a second DUI in Illinois within the twenty-year period after that first DUI, your license will be suspended for five years.
On top of the above, you may end up spending at least five days in jail or, alternatively, performing 240 hours of community service.
The above is true even if you were much younger when the DUI occurred, and it was 19 years ago. Even if those are the facts of your case – or other related facts are true – you can still suffer the consequences of a second DUI.
Why Is A DUI Conviction Significant?
An Illinois DUI conviction is significant because the consequences are severe.
No, the fine may not be very severe, but in addition to the fine, there are fees and Court costs that can skyrocket the costs into the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars. The Courts have no discretion in imposing these fees and Court costs because they are mandated by the State and local legislators. So, while the Court, at its discretion, may impose a fine of just $500, the fees and court costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars because of mandated fees and court costs. Additionally, the potential jail sentence can be severe.
Just as an example, if you get a DUI and are sentenced to a period of time in jail, then you may lose your job.
Alternatively, your jail sentence may lead to financial problems and, as a result, problems at home, job loss, divorce, and other related possibilities.
Outside of a potential jail sentence, though, the most severe consequence of a DUI conviction is, in almost every instance, the license revocation.
If your license is revoked, then you will no longer be able to drive. This means that you may not be able to go to work, drive your family members around town, or reach your favorite places, among many other possibilities.
A good example of the long-term consequences that a license revocation can create is as follows: if you cannot get to work, then you may lose your job, thereby putting yourself in a less-than-ideal financial situation.
To protect yourself from a DUI conviction, you must work with an attorney who is familiar with the DUI system. By doing so, you can obtain the best possible legal outcome, allowing you to maintain your standard of living.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
Thomas Glasgow has lectured statewide on DUI practice and law for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education. He is recognized as an authority in this area of law, and in addition to lecturing, he also writes for the statewide DUI manual.
If you need representation for a DUI charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with a DUI defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.