Do You Know the Different Types of DUIs in Rolling Meadows?

 Posted on January 23, 2020 in DUI/DWI

When most people think about DUI charges, they typically think of a person driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than the legal limit. In Illinois, as in most states, this limit is 0.08 percent. However, this is just one type of DUI charge in the state. In Illinois, there are six types of DUIs a person may face, and many of them do not even involve having a BAC higher than the legal limit.

DUI with BAC of 0.08 or Higher

This is the most common type of DUI in Illinois. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person was in physical control of a vehicle and that they had a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.

The prosecution does not have to prove that the individual was driving dangerously, or that they were showing any signs of impairment. They only must prove the defendant was impaired and in control of the vehicle, which does not necessarily mean driving it. Even if the person was pulled over to the side of the road with the car keys in their pocket, they can still be arrested as they still have control over the vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol When Unsafe to Drive

This type of DUI comes as a surprise to many that know they were below the legal limit, but face DUI charges anyway. With this charge, the prosecution must only show that the individual was under the influence of alcohol and that it was unsafe for them to drive, even if they were below the legal limit. Chemical testing is not even required for this DUI although, without it, the case is much harder for the prosecution to prove.

DUI with Intoxicating Compounds

It is not only alcohol that can result in a DUI charge. Any intoxicating compounds, such as inhaling cleaning agents or gasoline in order to get a person high can also result in a DUI charge.

DUI with Legally Prescribed Medications

It does not matter if a medication such as opioids or sleeping pills was legally prescribed to a person. If it affects their ability to drive and they do so anyway, they can face a DUI charge. This is why it is so important that any time a medication is taken, a person must first fully read the label and all warnings, and ask their doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to drive while on the medication.

Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis and Other Drugs

Although Illinois has just passed legislation legalizing cannabis, it will remain illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana or any other drug. It is important to know that marijuana, in particular, can remain in the blood for up to 30 days. That means that if a person used it two weeks ago, got in a car accident, and the police took a chemical test, THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, could show up in the results. This could make things very difficult for the driver, as they could face DUI charges even though they were not impaired.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs

Lastly, a person may face charges of driving under the influence if they combine alcohol and drugs, which causes them to become impaired. This seems like common sense, but it can happen more easily and innocently than many people think. For example, if a person is taking opioids for chronic pain and has a glass of wine at a dinner party before driving home, they may not think they are impaired. A chemical test, however, will likely reveal otherwise, and they could face DUI charges even though they did not think they were doing anything illegal.

Facing DUI Charges? Call Our Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

At the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley, our skilled Rolling Meadows criminal defense lawyer knows how easy it is for people to be charged with a DUI. Often, these individuals did not even think they were doing anything wrong, and they certainly did not want to put themselves or others in danger. If you are facing DUI charges, we can help you beat them. Call us today at 847-394-3200 to schedule your free consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501