Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago Underage DUI Lawyer
The state of Illinois exercises a zero tolerance policy when it comes to underage DUIs. Under the zero tolerance DUI law, drivers under the age of 21 caught with any trace of alcohol in his or her system will automatically lose driving privileges. A law enforcement officer may request a chemical test if he or she believes that you are driving under the influence. There are exceptions to the zero tolerance law: if alcohol was consumed in performance of a religious service, or if prescribed medication was consumed at the recommended dosage.
Underage DUI Penalties
If your chemical test reveals that you have alcohol in your system, your license will be suspended. For a first-time offender, the suspension period will last three months. For a second offense, the suspension period will last one year. For refusing a chemical test, a first-time offender will experience a six month driver’s license suspension. Second-time offenders will have their license suspended for two years. Offenders under the age of 18 will have to complete a mandatory remedial education course for drivers. Additionally, it will be necessary to take a new driver’s test in order to be issued a driver’s license.
If you are convicted of DUI, your driving privileges will be revoked even longer. A first underage DUI conviction will result in a minimum of two years driving privileges revocation. A second offense will result in a minimum five years revocation. In addition to the loss of driver’s license, underage DUI offenders may also face fines of up to $2,500, jail time, mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment, high insurance rates or cancellation of your policy and a criminal record that can impair your ability to get a job, credit or housing. It is also possible that you can be charged with minor in possession.
Chicago DUI Attorney
After a portion of the license suspension period has been completed, it may be possible to to get a restricted driving permit in order to drive to school, work, etc. Additionally, if you were arrested but never convicted of underage DUI, you may qualify to have your criminal record sealed or expunged. If you are able to do this, your record will not be visible to the public and you will not be under any obligation to disclose it, even to potential employers. Your attorney can answer questions regarding the completion of tasks required to have your license reinstated or getting your record expunged.
Chicago DUI Attorney Fred Dry as more than 35 years experience defending DUI cases. He will provide outstanding legal representation and effective solutions in order to reach a favorable resolution of your case. For more information regarding your rights following an underage DUI arrest, contact experienced Chicago DUI lawyer Fred Mark Dry