The State of Underage Drinking and Driving in Illinois

November 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) The State of Underage Drinking and Driving in Illinois

A recent survey captures the attitudes and habits of teenagers in central Illinois when it comes to underage drinking and teenage drinking and driving. The results of the survey show that more teenagers believe other teenagers are engaged in drunk driving habits than the number of teens who actually get behind the wheel when intoxicated. In addition, drugged driving has become more popular than drunk driving among teens in the central area of the state. In Illinois, there are drinking and driving laws that apply uniquely to teenagers, and Illinois teens should be aware of the legal penalties.

Drinking and Driving Beliefs and Practices Among Youth in central Illinois

For some time the drinking and driving habits of teenagers in central Illinois has been captured by a biannual survey called the "Illinois Youth Survey." According to the Journal Star, the survey found in 2006 that 43 percent of 12th-grade students consumed alcohol within 30 days of taking the survey. This year the percentage of central Illinois 12th-graders who admitted to consuming alcohol was down. In the latest survey, less than 30 percent of 12th-grade students consumed alcohol. However, one habit among high-school students may have been replaced with another.

The survey found that drugged driving was up among 10th-grade and 12th-grade students and the behavior was more popular than drinking and driving. Fifteen percent of 12th-grade students admitted to driving while under the influence of an illegal drug while only 12 percent admitted to drinking and driving. Among 10th-grade students, 6 percent admitted to drugged driving within the last 30 days and 4 percent admitted to drinking and driving.

Local safety advocates believe the slight increase in drugged driving relative to drunk driving is because teenagers are under the impression that drugged driving is less risky than drinking and driving and that popular culture has deemed marijuana as a harmless drug.

Penalties for Teenage Drunk and Drugged Driving in Illinois

Like many states, Illinois has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving. Under the zero-tolerance law, any person under the age of 21 who consumes alcohol and drives can have his or her driving privileges suspended even if the individual is not intoxicated at the 0.08 blood alcohol content level, meaning any amount of alcohol can result in a suspended driver's license.

Teens in Illinois should be aware of the legal penalties for underage drinking and driving. The legal penalties for a first underage DUI conviction in Illinois include:
-Loss of full driving privileges for a minimum of two years
-Maximum fine of $2,500
-Possible imprisonment for up to one year

The legal penalties for a second underage DUI conviction are even greater and the legal penalties for multiple underage drinking and driving continue to increase. In addition, legal penalties for an aggravated DUI in which a crash causes great bodily harm are also particularly tough. Teens convicted of drugged driving face similar legal penalties.

If you face drinking and driving or drugged driving charges, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to better understand and to protect your rights.

Article provided by Fombelle & Fombelle, LLP
Visit us at http://www.decaturdui.com