What You Need to Know About DUI Probation in Illinois

Driving, DUI, Lawyer in McHenry County

Illinois considers driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol a severe offense, as expected, since it’s an issue of public safety concern. When convicted of DUI, it could lead to severe penalties such as jail term, termination of driving privileges, probation period, and fines.

These penalties depend on the circumstances of your DUI charge and how well your defense attorney proves your innocence or reduces the impact of your violation. This article will discuss more information surrounding a probation verdict after a DUI charge, either through a trial or a guilty plea.

What is DUI Probation

A DUI probation is a period where you are placed under supervision due to sentencing for a DUI conviction. A judge issues such punishment in less severe cases, but the offender must follow set guidelines put in place by the judge.

DUI probation can last 1 to 5 years, depending on your offense and cooperation with the law. Some of the most typical terms of DUI probation you must agree to include:

Avoid consuming drugs or alcohol.

Abstaining from any other troubles with the law.

Attending sobriety group meetings

Check into rehab.

Add an ignition interlock to your vehicle

Agreeing to random drug and alcohol tests.

Why is a DUI probation established?

Usually, a person is charged with DUI when their alcohol content has gone over 0.8, the legal limit. Regarding penalties, your record plays a big part in consequences and the extent of damage your driving under the influence caused.

So, for first-time offenders, asides from fines and a restricted driving permit, you might be placed on probation by the judge. Such terms are usually set during driver’s license suspension. If you get apprehended driving under the influence again, you have become a second-time offender, thus attracting stricter punishment from the law.

What happens when you break the terms of your probation?

Breaking the terms of your DUI probation attracts punishment from the judge. However, there are no guidelines for such punishment, giving the judge the flexibility to issue any penalty as they see fit in the case.

For example, if you fail to show up for your agreed sobriety meetings, the judge might extend the length of your probation as a warning. When you still do not attend such a mandated meeting, the judge can decree a jail sentence for you to serve the rest of the punishment.

You can have a hearing in court when you’ve been wrongfully accused of breaking the terms of your DUI probation. It will involve a trial where your attorney has to prove that you are not guilty of abusing the judge’s probation terms. If your defense attorney fails to prove your innocence, new charges and penalties will become leveled against you.

In conclusion, dealing with a DUI charge requires an experienced attorney that can build a strong defense in your favor. Here at FKM&A Law, we have a dedicated legal team to ensure that we beat the charge or get a reduced penalty when possible.