Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Why Every Chicago DUI Arrest Demands Immediate Legal Help
Getting stopped by the police in Chicago is nerve-racking enough, but when that stop turns into a DUI investigation, the situation becomes life-changing. Illinois has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, and Chicago prosecutors rarely take it easy on defendants. Even a first-time DUI can carry consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom, affecting your license, job, insurance rates, and personal reputation.
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a DUI is charged when someone operates or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A BAC of 0.08% or greater automatically creates a presumption of impairment. The same statute covers impairment by prescription medications, cannabis, or any controlled substance.
