Chicago DUI Lawyers Advise: New Illinois DUI Laws Get Tougher

A major change in DUI laws will go into effect on January 1st 2009 which will increase the penalties for DUI and make it far more difficult to keep your driving privileges if found guilty of DUI. The new law doubles the suspensions to your driver’s license and will require all first offender DUI drivers to install a BAIID device on their cars for 6-12 months if they want to driving during the suspension period.

Here is a brief summary of some of the major changes in the new Illinois DUI law:

Statutory Suspension penalties will double.

If you fail field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test revels your BAC to be greater than .08, your license can be suspended for 6 months.

If you refuse field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer test your license can be suspended for 12 months.

Drivers can no longer receive a Judicial driving permit Under the present law. Drivers whose license gets suspended can be eligible to drive with a Judicial Driving Permit. Under the new DUI law, drivers who wish to drive while their license is suspended can request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). With a MDDP, drivers will have to equip their vehicles with a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). The BAIID device will require drivers to blow into it before starting their vehicles. Drivers with a BAIID device will also have to have their device inspected every 30 days as well as keep a journal to record every time that their vehicle fails to start. More information on BAIID devices, including a video demonstration, can be found at the MADD website.

The new changes to Illinois DUI laws will mean that your choice of DUI lawyer will be that much more important.

The Law Offices of James E. Fabbrini have years of experience protecting people changed with DUI. From first time DUI offenders to felony DUI, our lawyers have successfully fought DUI charges in Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Protect your freedom, avoid trouble, and save yourself money. Contact our office today. All consultation are absolutely free. Call us at (312) 494-3131 or e-mail us your questions at Contact@WindyCityLawFirm.com