There is no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than Chicago. Chicago’s parades, green beer, and festivities are legendary. Still, even though St. Patrick’s Day can be great fun, it is also one of the most dangerous days for drunk driving. Law enforcement knows this, and that is why they step up their patrols and DUI checkpoints to ensure that people do not drive while under the influence, and if they are impaired, they are caught.
If you think that a DUI on March 17 is only a minor inconvenience, you would be mistaken. You can face financial, legal, and personal costs that can be staggering, not to mention, long-lasting.
Dealing with the aftermath of a DUI in Chicago can be a difficult and emotionally draining task. An attorney can help you through such an ordeal and give you the best chances of securing the most ideal outcome. If you have been arrested for a DUI, then you should call our Chicago DUI attorney at Glasgow & Olsson for the most competent and experienced legal representation.
The Immediate Financial Impact of a St. Patty’s Day DUI
Even before you enter a courtroom, the financial consequences of a DUI will come into play. First, your vehicle will likely be towed and impounded. To get it back, you could be looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to pay the towing and storage fees. It can become very pricey if your vehicle sits in the impound for an extended period of time while your case is processed.
Then, once you are in the legal system, you may incur additional costs. Court fines, administrative expenses, and other fees can start piling up. For example, a first DUI offense in Illinois can cost you up to $2,500 in fines alone.
Long-Term Financial Consequences
If you are convicted of a DUI, you can expect to have to purchase high-risk auto insurance. That will not come with a small price tag. Typically, insurance premiums in Illinois nearly double after a DUI conviction.
In addition to increased insurance premiums, you may also be required to install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on your vehicle. That means that you will be looking at not only installation fees but also monthly monitoring costs.
You may be mandated to attend and successfully complete an alcohol education and substance abuse program. Usually, courts will want these courses finished before considering reinstating driving privileges.
Professional and Personal Repercussions
Your DUI will stay on your criminal record. This can affect your employment opportunities or can lead to disciplinary actions and restrictions, depending on what your job is. For instance, healthcare, transportation, and education-related jobs can be significantly impacted by a DUI.
If you have to spend time in court, community service, at rehabilitative programs, or if you are in jail, you will miss work. That can result in lost paychecks as well as a limited ability to advance in your career and earn better pay.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
When facing a DUI charge, the quality of your legal representation can shape the course of your life. At Glasgow & Olsson, we don’t just practice DUI defense—we help define it.
Thomas Glasgow is widely recognized as a leading authority on DUI law in Illinois. He lectures statewide for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, contributes to the definitive DUI legal manual used by attorneys across the state, and is a trusted legal voice on major networks including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, experience, judgment, and respect matter most.
Speak with our Chicago DUI defense team today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.