request
X

FREE CONSULTATION

Thank you for your interest in The Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg. Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch soon

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

*Indicates Required Fields

bbb-rating

Call Today for a FREE CONSULTATION

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

(773) 908-9811

(773) 377-4310

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS/7 DAYS

menu

X

request

(773) 908-9811

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS/7 DAYS

FOLLOW US:

Aggressive. Experienced.

Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
Former Cook County Felony Prosecutor

blog_homeBlog Home

What an Illinois DUI Conviction Will Really Cost You

The cost of a taxi or rideshare home can get pretty pricey – even in a big city like Chicago. At the end of the night, it may sound cost-effective to wait a half hour to sober up and then drive home. In the long run, though, a DUI conviction will end up costing you way more.

 

Below we’re going to go over those costs – both in terms of penalties and in hard dollar amounts.

 

Penalties for DUI in Illinois

 

Before we go over the costs of a DUI conviction, let’s look at the penalties for DUI in Illinois – another type of cost. Penalties for DUI are based on a variety of factors, including prior convictions and any injuries caused by the drunk driving incident.

 

If you are convicted of a first DUI in Illinois, you may face the following penalties:

 

  • Up to a year behind bars
  • Fines between $500-$2,500
  • Alcohol education or treatment programs
  • License suspension for up to six months

Penalties are increased to 12 months of license suspension if you did not consent to sobriety tests under the state’s implied consent laws. Your license may be reinstated after a month, but sometimes this is under the condition that you use an ignition interlock device – which will also cost you.

 

Costs of Illinois DUI Penalties

 

All of the penalties for DUI in Illinois come with costs. When you pile these costs on top of fines, your bill can easily reach five digits – even for first time offenders.

 

These are just a few of the costs that come with a DUI conviction in Illinois.

 

Alternative Transportation: License suspension alone can be pricey, especially if you commute to work. Getting a taxi or Uber to work every day is more expensive than normal fuel costs. If your car was damaged in an accident, you will have to pay those fees before you can start driving.

 

Towing: If your car was towed after your arrest, you will have to pay money to get it back.

 

Chicago DUI Lawyer

Loss of Income: If your job requires a license, you may lose it while your license is suspended. You may also lose vacation or sick days in order to make court appointments. Most first-time offenders will not have to spend a day in prison, but getting stuck behind bars can leave you with less money in your pocket.

 

Ignition Interlock Devices: We mentioned earlier that you could get your license back sooner if you get an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car. This is a device that measures your blood alcohol content, and only allows the ignition to start if you are below the legal limit. An IID costs money to install, though, and you will have to pay fees each month.

 

Court and Legal Fees: Just going to court to sort out DUI charges could cost you thousands of dollars.

 

So, How Much Does an Illinois DUI Conviction Cost?

 

When you add together the court fees, alternative transportation, and other costs, you’re looking at one pricey drive. CyberDrive Illinois estimates that the total bill could reach up to $16,000. Compare that to a single taxi ride. Even if you’re heading way out into the suburbs, that’s a huge difference.

 

If you are ever about to get behind the wheel after a few drinks, keep these costs in mind. If you have already been charged with driving under the influence, keep this cost in mind as you consider your defense strategy.

 

A charge is not a conviction. Even if you are starting to rack up costs for a DUI charge, you will still save a lot more money if you can get your charges dropped or otherwise avoid conviction. Fighting back against DUI charges is investing in your future.

 

 

About the Author:

 

Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes.

 

Our Blog

Breaking Down Illinois’ New Cashless Bail System

Bail Bonds

Imagine this: You or a loved one is arrested for a non-violent crime. You’re innocent until proven guilty, but without enough money for bail, you’ll remain behind bars until trial. Your freedom hinges on your finances, not public safety. This was the reality for many in Illinois until the state passed the Pretrial Fairness Act. Now, with cash bail eliminated, navigating this new system requires skilled legal guidance. Andrew M. Weisberg is the Chicago defense attorney you need to protect [...]

How Can False Accusations of Sexual Assault Impact Your Life?

Aggravated Sexual Assault | Sexual Assault

False accusations of sexual assault can have a devastating impact on the lives of those wrongfully accused. Not only can these accusations tarnish a person’s reputation and social standing, but they can also result in profound emotional distress, strained relationships, and even legal consequences. False accusations can sometimes lead to lost job opportunities, damaged personal relationships, and even imprisonment. If you or someone you know is facing false accusations of sexual assault, contact the Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg for [...]