Unfortunately, the consequences of a drunk-driving accident in Springfield, IL, can be devastating, even if no one was harmed. Drunk driving in Illinois is punishable by jail time, fines, and the suspension of one’s driver’s license. For one to be considered a drunk driver, the blood alcohol content (BAC) must be below .08 and below .04 for commercial drivers. For drivers under the age of 21, it is a zero-tolerance policy. However, it is possible to receive a DUI and never have drank a drop of alcohol. If you're under the influence of any type of drug that can impair your ability to drive or you have ingested illegal substances, you can receive a drunk-driving charge. For the first offense, a drunk driver can receive up to 1 year in jail and suspension of license and up to a $2,500 fine. For the second offense, a drunk driver can receive up to a year in jail with a license suspension of 5 years and up to a $2,500 fine. For the third offense, a driver can receive between 3 and 7 years of jail time with a license suspension for 10 years and up to a $2,500 fine. If you are picked up drunk driving, Illinois has an implied consent law. This law states that if you refuse to submit to a chemical test, you will be accountable for a fine and receive an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for up to 3 years After you have been charged with a DUI 3 times, it is considered an aggravated DUI charge which is now considered a felony. There are a variety of ways to receive an aggravated DUI charge. If your DUI results in a crash resulting in bodily harm, if you are transporting a child under the age of 16 and cause harm, if your DUI is committed with a revoked license and/or without proof of insurance, or if you commit reckless homicide, you will be charged with aggravated DUI There are a number of consequences besides jail time, revocation of your driver’s license, and fines associated with drunk driving. You will have to spend time in jail before posting bail, possibly resulting in loss of time at work. You will now be required to complete an alcohol/drug evaluation or a substance abuse program before you will be able to regain your driver’s license back. You will now be required to carry high-risk auto insurance resulting in a very high increase in your premiums. Your car will be impounded, and you will be required to pay a fee before your car is released back to you. Many states now require a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) to be installed in vehicles when the driver has been convicted of drunk driving. There are currently around 12,000 vehicles with a BAIID installed When you become eligible to have your driver’s license reinstated, you must complete a number of tasks beforehand. You must have a clean driving record and complete a remedial education program. You must appear before a Secretary of State representative who will clear you for driving. Afterwards, you must retake all portions of the driver’s test (written, driving, and vision), and pay $500 to have your license reinstated As you can see, the best option is not to drive impaired by alcohol or any other drug. It has lasting consequences which can often take years to overcome. Your best option is to call a taxi or have a designated driver take you home. However, if you are involved in a drunk-driving accident in Springfield, IL, there are a number of law firms that you choose to have represent you when you have to appear in court. Editor's note: No deductions were given for changes to the keyword due to errors in submitting content. However, the first sentence was grammatically incorrect (a number of drunk driving accident), since the keyword cannot be changed to plural. It must be exact. This may be the reason you were unable to complete the work item. In the future, reach out to an editor to have them complete the work item for you.
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