Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, typically shortened to DUI, is a crime in Illinois. However, there are different levels to DUI charges, and this charge may be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on a few different circumstances. It is important to understand the difference in DUI charges, as these charges carry varying penalties. An experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney can answer your questions if you face a DUI charge.
Understanding Illinois DUI Charges
In Illinois, the majority of DUI charges are misdemeanors. First-time DUI offenses and second-time DUI offenses are both Class A misdemeanors, though a second-time DUI offense is typically penalized more harshly.
A first-time DUI becomes a felony DUI when at least one of the following occurs alongside the DUI: