by Lewis Gainor on February 25, 2013
An arrest for driving under the influence is typically a misdemeanor. However, there are some circumstances under which even a first offense can be a felony. For review, a misdemeanor is different from a felony in that the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor is less than one year in jail. A felony charge, however, has [...]
by Lewis Gainor on December 1, 2012
Driving under the influence is a crime that has generally remained the same over the years. The elements are basically that the defendant was: 1) driving and 2) under the influence. While the elements of the offense remain unchanged, the penalties for DUI change every year. And they change in only one direction, they are [...]
by Lewis Gainor on April 28, 2011
The penalties for an arrest for driving under the influence in Illinois were increased in 2011. A second offense of DUI is still a misdemeanor, but the penalties are far more severe than any other misdemeanor. The law provides that a second offense of DUI is a Class A misdemeanor. The law in Illinois provides [...]
by Lewis Gainor on February 6, 2011
The state legislature has amended the DUI statutes in 2011 and established additional civil penalties for people accused of driving under the influence. The law in Illinois up to 2010 provided that if a person was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in personal injury or death, the police were allowed to draw [...]
by Lewis Gainor on October 9, 2010
Driving under the influence can be charged in numerous ways under Illinois law. It can be based on impairment by illegal drugs, prescription medication, and the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. But the most prevalent charge of DUI is based on intoxication by alcohol. If a person is accused of driving under the influence [...]