Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Why DUI With a Child Passenger Charges Are Treated More Aggressively in Lake County
A DUI arrest in Lake County Illinois is already a serious legal matter, but when a child passenger is present in the vehicle, the situation becomes significantly more severe. Illinois law treats DUI with a child passenger as an aggravated offense, and prosecutors in Lake County often pursue these cases aggressively. Individuals arrested in Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Highland Park, or surrounding communities frequently discover that what they assumed was a minor DUI has become a much more serious criminal charge.
Illinois DUI law is governed primarily by 625 ILCS 5/11-501. Under this statute, driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicating compounds is prohibited. When a child under the age of sixteen is present in the vehicle, the offense becomes an aggravated DUI. In many situations, additional penalties apply, including mandatory fines and potential jail exposure. Courts treat allegations involving minors with heightened concern, even when no accident or injury occurred.
