Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago’s Strict DUI Laws and What They Mean for First-Time Offenders
Chicago’s streets are always busy, from morning rush hour on the Kennedy Expressway to late-night traffic along Lake Shore Drive. Police patrol these areas heavily, especially during weekends and holidays. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a first DUI offense occurs when a driver operates or is in physical control of a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. In Illinois, even your first offense can lead to a Class A misdemeanor — the most serious misdemeanor classification — with up to one year in jail, $2,500 in fines, and a one-year driver’s license suspension.
However, aggravating circumstances — such as having a passenger under 16, causing an injury accident, or driving without valid insurance — can elevate your first DUI to a felony under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d). That change turns the case from a maximum of 364 days in jail to potential years in prison, with lasting damage to your criminal record.
