Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Why Out-of-State DUI Arrests in Chicago Carry Lasting Consequences
Chicago is one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the nation. Travelers come in through O’Hare and Midway, professionals attend conventions at McCormick Place, and thousands of college students from other states study at the city’s universities. With this constant flow of non-residents, DUI arrests involving out-of-state drivers are frequent.
What many visitors do not realize is that a DUI arrest in Chicago does not stay in Illinois. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, Illinois aggressively prosecutes driving under the influence. First and second offenses without aggravating circumstances are treated as Class A misdemeanors, while Aggravated DUI is a felony with penalties ranging from one to seven years in prison.
