A person is guilty of dui/dwi 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 – repeat offenses of DUI, causing bodily harm or death, DUI involving minors or not possessing the necessary permits and insurance to drive may factor in. Felony drunk driving can result in years in prison depending on the circumstances.
Last week, the high profile case of an intoxicated bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland resulted in a plea deal in a criminal case over a fatal bicycle accident. The first female bishop in the history of the diocese struck a bicyclist on the roadside in December, who later died of his injuries. Authorities said the bishop had been texting while driving and had a blood-alcohol level of .22, nearly three times the legal limit. This was her second offense of drunk driving.
The now defrocked bishop pleaded guilty to driving drunk and vehicular manslaughter and will be sentenced next month. The government will seek a 20 year prison term, with 10 years suspended as part of the deal. The ex-bishop accepted responsibility, hoping to spare the victim’s family from going through a trial.
If you have been arrested in Illinois for dui with aggravating factors, contact the Law Offices of Ronald L. Bell PC for help. Ron has been recognized as the Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney in Client Satisfaction for 2014 & 2015. Contact us today.
Source: ABA Journal.com: “Baltimore bishop faces DUI and texting-while-driving charges in hit-and-run death” by Martha Neil, September 9, 2015.