With a grant funded by the US Department of Transportation, National Highway Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation is stepping up roadside checks throughout the month of May.
On Friday night, during one of many planned roadside checks, Libertyville Township Law Enforcement made several arrests for driving under the influence and drug possession. The catch included a man charged with DUI 4 times over the legal limit with 3 kids in the car.
Each year in Illinois, hundreds of lives are lost in alcohol-related crashes. An average of one alcohol-related traffic death occurs every 45 minutes across the country and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol factors into over 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois.
According to officials, increasing the number of unannounced enforcement zones throughout the county encourages residents to arrange for a designated driver or not drive after drinking. It also reinforces seat belt laws.
Being charged with DUI in Illinois can be costly. A person is guilty of driving under the influence if he or she operates a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more in his blood or breath.
Whether it is considered a misdemeanor or a felony depends on aggravating factors. There are several factors in Illinois law that will elevate a DUI into a felony category. Generally, repeat offenses of DUI, causing bodily harm or death, DUI involving the presence of minors & not possessing the necessary permits and insurance to drive can result in aggravated DUI charges. Felony drunk driving may lead to incarceration ranging from a year to decades depending on the circumstances.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, contact the Law Offices of Ronald L. Bell for help today. Ron has been recognized as “10 Best in Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys for 2014-2015.
Source: The Chicago Tribune, “Police Checkpoint Nets 8 DUI, Drug Arrests in Lake County”, May 5, 2015