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The Factors That Turn A DUI Into An Aggravated DUI

In the state of Illinois, DUIs come with serious consequences. And, aggravated DUIs come with consequences that are far more serious.

Going over the factors that turn a DUI into an aggravated DUI and speaking with an experienced Schaumburg criminal defense attorney will help you obtain the “Not Guilty” verdict that you deserve.​

What Is A DUI?​

The term “DUI” refers to a situation in which someone is found driving under the influence of a controlled substance. This “controlled substance” is, in most cases, an alcoholic beverage.​

If you are stopped while driving under the influence and charged with a DUI, you run the risk of being sentenced to a period in jail, a serious fine, and having your license suspended for a period of time.​

Just as an example, in the state of Illinois, if you are convicted of a DUI, your license will be suspended for at least six months. During these six months, you will be unable to drive.​

Even though the penalties for a DUI are quite severe, an aggravated DUI comes with penalties that tend to be far more severe. And, for this very reason, if you have been charged with a DUI, you must work with an attorney.​

What Turns A DUI Into An Aggravated DUI?​

A wide variety of factors can turn a DUI into an aggravated DUI. Some of the most notable of these factors are as follows:​

  1. You are driving under the influence with a suspended license
  2. You are driving under the influence after having been convicted of more than one DUI in the past.
  3. You are driving under the influence and, while doing so, cause bodily harm to another person.
  4. You are driving under the influence and, while doing so, kill another person.
  5. You are driving under the influence with a revoked license.
  6. You are driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.16 or more.
  7. You are driving under the influence with a minor in your vehicle.

Every single one of the above can lead to a DUI turning into an aggravated DUI. Being charged with an aggravated DUI means that you will face penalties more severe than those incurred by a standard DUI.​

What Happens If You Are Convicted Of An Aggravated DUI?​

If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI, you will face the following penalties:

  1. A very large fine that you must pay.
  2. A license suspension that could be anywhere from months to the remainder of your life.
  3. A mandatory treatment program for alcoholism, among other addictions.
  4. A period of imprisonment that could be anywhere from years to decades.
  5. A permanent criminal record that will make it harder for you to do the things you want to do.

Just as an example, if you are convicted of a third DUI, your license will be suspended for ten years. And, you will need to spend around ten days in jail, in the majority of cases.​

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.