New Law Cracks Down on Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

October 22, 2011 (Press-News.org) New Law Cracks Down on Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

If you are charged with a DUI in Illinois, it is more important than ever to work with an experienced DUI attorney. New legislation, passed in August, has increased the likelihood of being convicted of drunk driving. Now, officers at the scene of an accident will not only be encouraged to check for intoxication, they may be required to.

In the past, police officers on the scene of an accident that caused personal injury or death had the right to use chemical tests to measure blood or urine to determine intoxication levels. As a result of the new law, they will now be required to do so if they feel alcohol could be a factor in the accident. Advocates of the new law believe this will increase the number of chemical tests performed at accidents that involve personal injury or death.

DUI Penalties

Drunk driving convictions in Illinois carry tough penalties, including fines of up to $2,500, community service, jail time of up to one year, and driver education requirements. Penalties increase for high blood alcohol content, the injuring of another person and subsequent convictions. Those who are convicted may also have their licenses suspended, which will make getting to work or school very difficult. DUI penalties have the ability to change your day to day life for quite a while.

This is why it is so important to have legal counsel when facing a DUI conviction. Officers may fail to administer chemical tests for alcohol levels correctly or violate your rights, and as a result the evidence that led to your conviction could be inadmissible in court. Now that officers are going to be even more vigilant at testing, those who find themselves facing conviction need to get legal representation.

Article provided by Martin, Kent & Reidy, L.L.C.
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