Bar Association Advocates Change to Mandatory DUI License Suspension

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DUI

Earlier this month, the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) proposed changes to the mandatory punishment guidelines in place for drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in the state. Representatives from the ISBA met with officials from a traffic safety task force created by Secretary of State Jesse White to discuss concerns over the inconsistent application of license suspensions.

Current Mandatory DUI Penalties

Under Illinois law, a first-offense DUI conviction may result in up to one year in prison and fines up to $2,500 plus court costs. Additionally, the law requires suspension of driving privileges for up to one year, with a full suspension for at least 30 days. After 30 days, a driver may be eligible to apply for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit, allowing limited driving privileges conditional to the use of an ignition interlock device and other monitoring requirements.

Need for Change

Many individuals arrested for DUI, the suspension of driving privileges creates an ethical and legal dilemma: provide for their family or follow the law. Regardless of a DUI conviction, many drivers have few available options for getting to work or providing transportation for their children. The Chicago Tribune reported several months ago, however, that lawyers in DuPageCounty were able to negotiate deals with prosecutors so that offenders were permitted to drive as needed. The inconsistency created by such deals and unequal application of the law is what prompted Secretary White to call this month’s meeting.

New Proposals

Several options have been for changing the application of the mandatory suspension laws. The ISBA’s plan includes allowing drivers to continue driving with reduced privileges during their suspension, but only with the use of an ignition interlock device. Groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving have expressed support for the idea, and even favor removing geographic driving limitations, which restrict a driver to areas necessary for work and school, as long the interlock device is being used.

Help With Your DUI Charges

No matter what action Illinois lawmakers may choose regarding the mandatory license suspensions, a conviction of DUI can have severe consequences that last the rest of your life. If you have been charged with drunk driving, you need to have a defense lawyer on your side who understands the law and is prepared to fight for you. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney in Elgin today at The The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola for your free consultation.