Being charged for driving under the influence (DUI) is upsetting enough, no matter the circumstances surrounding the arrest. However, if you are arrested for drunk driving with a child in the car, the trouble multiplies. Under Illinois law, DUI with a passenger under age 16 in the vehicle carries additional penalties, including fines and community service. 

First-Time DUI Charge With Passenger Under Age 16

A first-time DUI offender generally has a good chance of being granted court supervision. During the supervision period, which typically lasts one year or more, they will be required to attend a drug/alcohol education course and probably perform community service. They usually will not have to pay a large fine or serve time in jail. At the end of the supervision period, as long as they meet all the requirements set by the judge, their case will be dismissed, and they will not have a DUI conviction on their record.

However, the State will typically impose heavier penalties if a DUI involved a passenger under age 16. A first conviction for DUI committed while transporting a child carries the following additional penalties:

The day after you are arrested for driving under the influence can be tough. You may still feel a bit dazed after being arrested, tested, and processed.

Just remember this: an arrest, even with a failed alcohol or drug test, is not a guaranteed conviction, especially if this was your first DUI arrest. With the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney, you have a good chance of reaching a favorable outcome.

It is crucial that you start working on your defense right away. A successful DUI defense not only depends on your attorney but also on you. The more prepared and organized you are, the better.

Most people know that the police can seize and sell assets involved in major drug crimes, such as cars, boats, and houses. But did you know that the police can also impound or seize your car if you are caught driving under the influence?

If you are ever arrested for DUI, you will take a back-seat ride in a squad car to the police station. Then, unless there was a sober passenger in the car who can drive the car home, the police will call a local towing company to pick up the vehicle and take it to their storage lot.

Impoundment of Your Car

If your car is towed following a DUI arrest, you can usually get it back by going to the towing company lot and paying the accrued towing and storage fees. However, some counties (including Will County and DuPage County) and cities also charge an administrative fee to help cover their cost of dealing with the towing company, typically in the range of $300 to $500. You must show proof that this fee has been paid in order to get your vehicle back.

Illinois residents who legally use medical cannabis may be justifiably concerned about their risk of being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after using marijuana. 

While only around 30,000 people are currently registered as medical marijuana users in Illinois, this number could expand dramatically once the governor signs a new law passed by the legislature in May 2018. This law, SB 336, would modify the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act (410 ILCS 130), allowing doctors to prescribe medical marijuana as an alternative to opioid pain medications and eliminating the criminal background check requirement for patients.

Marijuana DUI Law for Regular Citizens

THC is the intoxicating element in marijuana, and this is what Illinois law enforcement officers will measure to determine if you are guilty of driving under the influence of marijuana. The legal limit for THC in Illinois is five nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood or 10 nanograms or more per milliliter of any other bodily substance (e.g., saliva). If you test at or above that level, you will be subject to the statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license and a DUI charge.