Articles Tagged with Do You Still Have to Go to Court If No One Was Hurt in a DUI Crash in Illinois?

When a “Minor” DUI Accident Still Requires a Major Court Appearance

As a Chicago DUI defense lawyer, I often meet people who feel shocked to learn they must appear in court even when their DUI accident caused no injuries. Many think that because no one was hurt and the damage was minor, the case will quietly disappear. Illinois law, however, treats all DUI arrests as serious criminal matters. Even a first offense can affect your freedom, license, and record.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a person commits DUI if they drive or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or intoxicating compounds, or if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or greater. The statute makes no distinction between “accidents with injury” and “accidents without injury” when determining whether you must appear in court. All DUI arrests result in formal charges, an arraignment, and potential sentencing.