4th DUI in Illinois is a Felony
Dennis F. Dwyer is a top Chicago criminal defense attorney committed to protecting the rights of his clients. His extensive experience with DUI law allows him to provide his clients with the best DUI representation in Chicago.
4th DUI Illinois 2020
Every DUI (driving under the influence) is a serious criminal offense. Multiple DUIs increase the severity of the offense and the possible penalties. A third DUI becomes an aggravated DUI and is a felony. Likewise a fourth DUI is also an aggravated DUI and class 2 felony. With each subsequent DUI, the possible penalties increase.
Possible Penalties of a Fourth DUI Conviction
- *Revocation of driving privileges for life. No driving relief available.
- 3-7 years in prison.
- Up to $25,000 in fines.
- No probation.
- No supervision.
- No conditional release.
- Suspension of vehicle registration.
- Part of permanent driving record.
- Must meet the requirements of the Secretary of State’s Department of Administrative Hearings
Factors that Could Increase Penalties
Blood Alcohol (BAC) over .16. A BAC of .16 is double the legal limit. If your BAC is .16 or over you are subject to additional mandatory fees. In addition to any other consequences, there is a minimum mandatory fee of $5,000 for driving with a BAC this high.
Transporting child under 16. If you get a DUI while driving with a child under 16, the penalties increase. A mandatory fee of $25,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children are added to any other penalties.
*Exceptions
Every DUI case is different and penalties vary depending on the circumstances of the offense and your previous record. If you are charged with a fourth DUI, but the first DUI received supervision, the penalties may vary from those listed above. A fourth DUI (where the first DUI received supervision) will have a 10 year revocation of driving privileges rather than a lifetime revocation.
Don’t Drink and Drive
The best way to avoid the increased penalties for driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Illinois, is to simply not get behind the wheel while under the influence. To deter dangerous driving and keep Illinois residents safe, the law severely penalizes drivers that break the law. Felonies are serious crimes and the consequences reflect that. You need to be especially careful if you have ever been arrested for DUI in the past. Each conviction increases the penalties.
Always Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether it is your first DUI or fourth, always hire a criminal defense attorney. Police officers and district attorneys are going to do everything in their power to make sure you are convicted and punished as heavily as the law will allow. Make sure that you have an advocate for your rights that will make sure that you are protected from zealous prosecution. Every situation is different, but an experienced DUI Criminal Defense Attorney can help you get the best possible outcome. Contact Dennis Dwyer today to discuss your case and find out how he can help you.
