Illinois DUI: Not Just for Alcohol
Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offense that can result in heavy fines, jail time, and even loss of license. In Illinois, several unique laws govern this behavior and the penalties it carries. In this article, we’ll take a look at those laws, their associated penalties, and what steps you can take to ensure your safety on the road.
What Does Illinois Law Say About Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?
A driver in Illinois may not operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs – including legally purchased cannabis or cannabis that has been prescribed for medicinal purposes. Like a suspected DUI involving alcohol, a driver is required to submit to field sobriety testing. “Refusal to submit to testing or failure or the field sobriety tests will result in the suspension of the person’s driver’s license.”
What Are the Penalties for Drugged Driving in Illinois?
Illinois law prohibits driving under the influence of drugs and the penalties are harsh:
- Jail sentence of one year to three years
- Fines between $1,000 and $2,500
- Six month driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory drug treatment program
Steps You Can Take to Avoid Getting Behind the Wheel Under the Influence
If you are going to use drugs recreationally or take a new prescription medication, it is a good idea to avoid getting behind the wheel of a car. Doing so places your safety at risk as well as the safety of others.
Taking steps to plan ahead can make all the difference and protect you from the consequences of a DUI arrest. If you know you are going to be using drugs or under the influence of a medication, your best course of action is to ensure you have a designated driver or alternative mode of transportation lined up in advance.
If You’ve Been Arrested for DUI, Contact a Belleville, IL, Criminal Defense Attorney
It is so important to mount an aggressive defense against all DUI charges. To learn how our defense attorneys can help you avoid the worst punishments of a DUI conviction, contact Madelyn Daley & Associates for a case evaluation. There are ways to fight your charges, and our firm is here to help you do that.
