Rockford Multiple DUI Attorneys

Serving Winnebago County, Boone County & Stephenson County

Illinois has very strict laws for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses that are meant to deter individuals from driving while intoxicated. The penalties for a first-time DUI conviction are severe, but the consequences for multiple DUI convictions are even more serious.

At DeRango & Cain, LLC, our attorneys are highly experienced in handling DUI cases. We are well-versed in state DUI laws and can help you navigate the legal process. Our team has successfully represented numerous clients facing multiple DUI charges, and we are prepared to put our extensive resources to work for you.

If you are facing multiple DUI charges, contact us online or call our firm at (815) 216-5911 to schedule a consultation with our team.

Penalties for Multiple DUI Convictions in Illinois

Under Illinois law, a DUI is a Class A misdemeanor. However, multiple DUI convictions can result in enhanced penalties. The penalties for a second, third, or subsequent DUI conviction in Illinois are as follows:

• Second DUI Conviction: A second DUI conviction is punishable by a minimum of 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service. The maximum jail term is 1 year. You may also be fined up to $2,500. Your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year.
• Third DUI Conviction: A third DUI conviction is punishable by a minimum of 10 days in jail or 480 hours of community service. The maximum jail term is 7 years. You may also be fined up to $2,500. Your driver’s license will be revoked for a minimum of 10 years.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI Conviction: If you are convicted of a fourth or subsequent DUI, the offense is a Class 2 felony. It is punishable by a minimum of 3 years in state prison. The maximum prison term is 7 years. You may also be fined up to $25,000. Your driver’s license will be revoked for life.

Aggravating Factors for Multiple DUI Convictions

There are certain aggravating factors that can increase the penalties for multiple DUI convictions in Illinois. If you are convicted of a DUI and one or more of these factors is present, you will face enhanced penalties. The aggravating factors for multiple DUI convictions are as follows:

• Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .16 or more;
• You were transporting a child under the age of 16 while under the influence;
• You caused an accident that resulted in great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement to another person;
• You caused an accident that resulted in the death of another person;
• You were driving the wrong way on a one-way street or highway;
• You were driving a school bus and there were passengers on board;
• You were driving a vehicle-for-hire and there were passengers on board;
• You were driving a vehicle that contained open containers of alcohol;
• You were driving a vehicle in a school zone;
• You were driving a vehicle in a construction zone;
• You were driving a vehicle in a residential area;
• You were driving a vehicle without a valid driver’s license or insurance;
• You were driving a vehicle that was not equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device;
• You were driving a vehicle that was not equipped with a functioning breath alcohol ignition interlock device.

The presence of one or more of these aggravating factors will result in enhanced penalties for a DUI conviction. For example, if you cause an accident that results in the death of another person, you will face felony charges and a minimum of 3 years in state prison if convicted.

Defending Against Multiple DUI Charges

A multiple DUI conviction can have a serious impact on your life. You may be required to spend time in jail, pay expensive fines, and have your driver’s license suspended or revoked. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. However, you can avoid these penalties by hiring an experienced attorney to represent you.

At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we can help you build a strong defense strategy. We will review the details of your arrest and the evidence against you. If the police violated your rights when they arrested you or there are problems with the evidence, we may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

There are several defense strategies that we can use to fight the charges against you, including:

• You refused to submit to a breath test, but the police officer did not have probable cause to arrest you for DUI;
• The police officer did not have probable cause to arrest you for DUI because you were not exhibiting any signs of impairment;
• You were not driving the vehicle at the time of your arrest;
• There are problems with the breath test results because the breathalyzer was not properly calibrated;
• The police did not have a legal right to stop your vehicle because you were not violating any traffic laws;
• The police did not have a legal right to search your vehicle because you were not exhibiting any signs of impairment;
• The police violated your Fourth Amendment rights when they arrested you;
• The police violated your Miranda rights when they questioned you.

Our team can also help you explore other options, such as a plea bargain. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, we may be able to negotiate a favorable deal on your behalf. For example, we may be able to get the charges against you reduced to reckless driving. This will help you avoid the most serious penalties for a DUI conviction.

How Many Years Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Illinois?

In Illinois, a DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for life. This means that if you are convicted of a second, third, or subsequent DUI, the offense will be treated as such if you are arrested for DUI in the future. For example, if you are convicted of a second DUI, it will be treated as a third DUI if you are arrested for DUI again.

However, a DUI conviction will only remain on your criminal record for 20 years. This means that if you are convicted of a second DUI, the offense will not be used to enhance the penalties for a third DUI if you are arrested for DUI more than 20 years later.

Get Skilled Legal Representation Today

If you are facing multiple DUI charges, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we can help you understand your legal options and the potential penalties you may face if convicted. Our team can also help you build a strong defense strategy and guide you throughout the legal process.

If you are facing multiple DUI charges, contact us online or call our firm at (815) 216-5911 to schedule a consultation with our team.