What Are the Penalties for a Third Dui in Illinois?
Posted on behalf of Donahue & Walsh, P.C. | September 21, 2021
Choosing to drive under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can affect your driving privileges. These negative impacts can include a license suspension, with the possibility of a varying suspension period depending on the severity of the case. However, your freedom to operate your motor vehicle may not be the only right in question when facing DUI convictions. When proven guilty of driving under the influence, especially with the increased evidence available due to advances in chemical testing systems, further punishment can include a set number of hours of community service. Depending on the cleanliness of your criminal record, including the presence of any prior arrests or tickets, a judge may determine how much community service an individual will have to perform. Some individuals face as many as 480 hours of community service.
Even when facing the above consequences though, some drivers unfortunately end up committing another act of driving under the influence, sometimes even more than one repeat offense in fact. After making the same mistake time and time again, judges tend to be less lenient in their sentencing, as they begin to believe that the individual may not have learned a lesson from the prior charges, and if not held accountable could continue to pose a serious risk to themselves, as well as the safety of other drivers on the road, or property that may be damaged as a result of a crash caused by driving under the influence.
Once someone reaches the point of being arrested for a 3rd DUI, jail time is inevitable, given that a third DUI is a Class 2 felony in Illinois. Possible consequences of conviction include a minimum of ten days in jail, and five figure fines. If the case is worsened by the inclusion of transporting a child, that time can increase to being in jail for 480 hours, 3-7 years in jail, or sometimes even years in prison as a result.
Any DUI offense is not taken lightly in the state of Illinois. To avoid penalties and a tainted criminal record, you must contact Donahue & Walsh, P.C. in the face of DUI charges. Our lawyers will fight for the justice you deserve.
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