Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Waukegan is a community where people often rely on their vehicles to get to work, visit family, and fulfill daily obligations. But when a person is accused of driving under the influence, especially with a high blood alcohol content, the consequences can be severe. In Illinois, any DUI charge is serious, but a BAC over 0.15% significantly increases the risk of enhanced penalties. These cases can change a person’s life, even if it’s their first offense. Knowing the law, how the process works, and the legal challenges involved is critical.
The Illinois Vehicle Code provides a clear framework for DUI offenses. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating compound. While the legal limit is 0.08%, a BAC over 0.15% brings added consequences. A first DUI is usually a Class A misdemeanor, but a high BAC can trigger additional sentencing conditions like mandatory jail time, higher fines, and required alcohol education.
The classification of the crime and the punishment depend on many factors. A driver with a BAC of 0.15% or higher may face an enhanced sentence even for a first offense. A second or third offense could mean felony charges. Felonies carry prison sentences, longer license revocations, and permanent marks on a person’s criminal record. These penalties are even more severe when the DUI involves an accident, injury, a child passenger, or a suspended license.
