Northbrook DUI Lawyer

Illinois, like the rest of the country, prohibits motorists from driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more. While most Northbrook residents are aware of this law, many do not know that it is also possible to be convicted of driving under the influence even if a person has not consumed any alcohol, but is instead deemed to be impaired by drugs, including cannabis that has been prescribed for medical purposes. Being convicted of a DUI can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and the creation of a permanent criminal record, so if you were arrested for driving under the influence, it is critical to speak with an experienced Northbrook DUI lawyer about your legal options.

When is a Person Legally Under the Influence in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, a person is legally under the influence of drugs or alcohol if he or she:

• Has a BAC of .08% or more;
• Has a THC concentration of at least five nanograms per milliliter of blood;
• Has a THC concentration of at least 10 nanograms per milliliter of other bodily substance;
• Used any other controlled substance; or
• Is impaired by medication.

However, a person can be convicted of DUI even if he or she does not meet these minimum thresholds. For example, an individual with a BAC that falls between .05 and .08% will still be considered to have been driving under the influence if additional evidence of that person’s impairment is provided by law enforcement officers.

Potential Penalties

The penalties for drivers found in violation of these laws are serious, although the severity depends on a few different factors, including:

• The driver’s age;
• The driver’s BAC level;
• Whether the driver had a passenger under the age of 16 years old in the vehicle at the time of arrest; and
• Whether the driver has any prior DUI convictions.

Depending on these circumstances, a defendant could face some or all of the following penalties, even for a first conviction:

• Suspension of his or her driving privileges for a year;
• At least 100 hours of community service;
• Minimum fines of $2,500; and
• Imprisonment for up to six months.

Further convictions are treated even more severely and in addition to jail time, fines, and community service, a defendant could also be required to complete an alcohol or drug evaluation, as well as a substance abuse treatment program, use a breath alcohol ignition interlock device, carry high-risk car insurance for no less than three years, and have his or her vehicle impounded. With so much at stake, it becomes especially important for those who have been arrested for driving under the influence, to retain an experienced attorney who can help them formulate a strong defense.

Contact Our Northbrook DUI Legal Team Today

To speak with a dedicated DUI lawyer who has the experience and resources to aggressively defend your rights and interests, please call the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus at (847) 966-0300. Initial consultations are offered free of charge, so if you were arrested for driving under the influence, please do not hesitate to call or contact us online today.