Drunk driving is a behavior that Illinois law enforcement officials attempt to prevent. However, establishing intoxication in a driver can be difficult and may be subject to errors and omissions that call into question the veracity of drunk driving test results. This post will generally discuss what is considered drunk driving in the state, but all drivers facing DUI and other drunk driving charges should seek professional guidance that takes into account the specific details of their cases.
In Illinois, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% is considered per se intoxication for a drunk driving arrest. That means that law enforcement officials do not need further evidence of intoxication to show that a DUI was committed. Illinois’ 0.08% per se limit is consistent with that of other states throughout the nation.
Beyond the per se limit, Illinois drivers may face enhanced or aggravated DUI charges of their blood alcohol concentrations meet or exceed 0.16%. Enhanced charges may result in more significant penalties, longer periods of license loss and higher monetary fines. Illinois’ underage zero tolerance law penalizes any underage driver who has any alcohol in their system when they get behind the wheel of a car.
Drunk driving charges are very serious legal matters. The can directly threaten a driver’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle and can result in periods of incarceration as well as other sanctions. Individuals can work with DUI defense attorneys to try to mitigate or overcome their pending charges. These professionals can also provide their clients with the timeliest information about the state’s DUI laws. This post should not be used as legal advice and is informational only.