DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI)

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) puts you and others at risk when you get behind the wheel. In both Illinois and Iowa, you could face a number of serious penalties for operating a vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol.

Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham is a prestigious law firm that serves the Quad Cities and surrounding communities. With decades of combined experience, our misdemeanor DUI lawyers will focus on specific areas of the criminal law to meet your criminal defense needs.

Understanding State Law

Consuming alcohol at a level that affects your ability to drive may result in an arrest when your blood alcohol level reaches 0.08% or higher. Some prescription and non-prescription drugs also impair safe driving. A misdemeanor DUI offense includes all types of impaired driving that does not result in harming another person.

DUIs Are Expensive

When you choose to drive a car, you also give consent to be tested if an officer suspects you are driving under the influence. Breath, urine, and blood test results prove your exact level of intoxication.

The state of Illinois enforces heavy penalties on drivers convicted of a DUI.

  • First offense: A minimum one-year suspension of your driver’s license, up to $2,500, and up to one year in prison.
  • Second offense: A minimum five-year license suspension, five days in jail or mandatory community service, up to $2,500, and up to one year in prison.
  • Third offense: Suspension of your driver’s license for up to 10 years, up to $2,500, vehicle registration suspension, and between three to seven years of jail time.

Conversely, the state of Iowa enforces the following DUI penalties:

  • First offense: A minimum of 48 hours to one-year term of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,250. Your driver’s license may also be revoked for 180 days to one year and you may have to undergo a substance abuse consultation and be ordered to participate in a reality education substance abuse prevention program.
  • Second offense: A minimum seven days to two-years term of imprisonment and a fine of $1,875 to $6,250. Depending on the circumstances, your driver’s license may also be revoked for up to two years. Additionally, you may have to undergo a substance abuse consultation and be ordered to participate in a reality education substance abuse prevention program.
  • Third offense: Third offenses face up to five-years term of imprisonment and a fine of $3,225 to $9,375. Depending on the circumstances, your driver’s license may also be revoked for up to six years. Further, you may have to undergo a substance abuse consultation and be ordered to participate in a reality education substance abuse prevention program.

Contact our Quad Cities DUI lawyer to better understand the Contact our Quad Cities misdemeanor DUI lawyers to better understand the possible consequences of your actions.

Consult with Our DUI Lawyers in Quad Cities

Driving under the influence is one of most common criminal traffic offenses in state courts. Unfortunately, many people don’t seek the appropriate help when looking for answers.

The misdemeanor attorneys of Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham can guide you through the legal process. We’ll advise you on the best course of action. Contact us today for a free consultation at 309-794-1515, through our convenient LiveChat service, or drop us a note 24/7 through an online form.