Underage drinking is a problem in Illinois. When a person younger than 21 decides to drink and drive, it is illegal, and Illinois has no problem taking away their license. Subsequent violations can see the penalties increase as they would for adults, resulting in possible jail time, fines, and further loss of driving privileges. A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can destroy a young person’s life before it has even begun. The best course of action when facing an underage drinking and driving charge is to consult an attorney immediately.
Violating Illinois’ Zero-Tolerance Law
A police officer can pull anyone over if they suspect the driver of the vehicle is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As Illinois is an implied consent state, when someone is pulled over, a police officer has the right to request a sobriety test of the driver. The driver can then accept or refuse the sobriety test at their discretion. This is a field sobriety test that often requires the driver to perform a set of physical coordination tests. However, even if the driver chooses to accept the test and performs without complication, the officer can choose to submit the driver for a chemical test back at the station.