Defending DUI Manslaughter Charges in Cook County, Illinois
Cook County, Illinois, has some of the busiest roadways in the state, and law enforcement remains aggressive in prosecuting DUI-related offenses, especially when an accident results in a fatality. A DUI manslaughter charge can change the course of a person’s life, leading to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. If you or a loved one is facing this charge, it is critical to understand the legal implications and available defense strategies.
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d)(1)(F), DUI manslaughter, legally referred to as aggravated DUI resulting in death, is a Class 2 felony in Illinois. A conviction carries a mandatory sentence of three to fourteen years in prison, with an extended sentence of up to twenty-eight years in cases involving multiple fatalities. Unlike standard DUI charges, these cases involve both impairment allegations and the assertion that intoxication directly caused the fatal accident.