What Happens When You Are Charged with a DUI in Chicago When You Aren’t a Resident Here?
Chicago witnesses countless visitors every year, and many of them are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Many people are employed in Chicago while living in neighboring states. If you are on a visit to the state, it can lead to severe consequences if you are charged with DUI. This cannot be easy, especially for those who commute to and from other states for employment. Visit this site to find a DUI attorney who has experience handling out-of-state DUI cases and will fight the DUI charge for you.
Illinois Drunk Driving Laws are stringent and include severe and harsh penalties. It is essential to know the consequences for out-of-state residents charged with a DUI in Chicago. Because fighting a DUI charge is not easy, and you will need to use the help of an experienced lawyer to maximize your chance of winning.
Suspension of Your Chicago Driving Privileges
When you are convicted of DUI in Chicago, your driving privileges will be revoked within the State of Illinois, and you will also face criminal court proceedings. The state in which you are a resident will also receive information about your DUI charges.
The first-time offenders lose their driving privileges for six months if they submit to and fail to test. In case you refuse testing, the driving privileges will be suspended for a period of 12-months.
If you are arrested within five years of your prior DUI charge, the suspension period will be extended for periods of up to 12 months or 36 months. If this is a fourth DUI, it can also result in a lifetime suspension of driving privileges in Illinois.
If you are a first-time offender, you’ll be eligible for court supervision which will avoid a conviction and revocation of driving privileges. However, a petition needs to be filed within a certain period before the suspension goes into effect.
For this, you will need to seek a DUI defense attorney’s services to create an effective petition. If you are convicted of DUI, your driving privileges will be revoked in Illinois.
Effect on Your Home State License
A primary concern for out-of-state residents is when the Illinois Secretary of State reports the suspension or revocation to your home state. Based on your state’s law, you will have to bear the consequences on your home state driver’s license. Illinois and some other states in the United States are members of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC). If the state in which you are a resident is a member of IDLC, it will also issue the same penalties. Following a DUI conviction in Illinois, you will be unable to renew your current license or obtain a new license in the state in which you live.
Reinstating Your Driving Privileges
If you want to reinstate your driving privileges, it can only be done through a successful administrative hearing before the Illinois Secretary of State.
Out-of-state resident DUI cases are more complex than the typical ones. Also, for out-of-state residents, it can be challenging to handle court appearances. Hence, you will require the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney.
Application for a reinstatement of your driving privileges is a lengthy process. Depending on how many times you have been convicted, you may be required to provide additional information and documents. The attorney will provide legal assistance for the application’s outcome and represent you at the hearings to reinstate your driving privileges.
Getting an efficient attorney is of utmost importance as they will formulate a defense strategy that will help you fight out-of-state DUI charges. Do not hesitate to approach an experienced DUI attorney to stay out of complications that could have been avoided otherwise.
