Under the Influence of Drugs

Most of the time people associate DUI with driving under the influence of alcohol, however, this extends to drugs as well. If you are driving under the influence of an illegal drug, or an over the counter or prescription drug, and your driving ability is impaired, you are considered a threat on the road and fit into the category of DUI.

According to Illinois state law, DUI is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, intoxicating compounds or other drugs. This could include drugs like cough medicine that can make you drowsy, pain killers, marijuana, or any drug that impairs your ability to drive. The use of medication and illegal drugs is all too common in today's society and mistakes occur every day while people are driving as a result.

What Penalties Can You Expect if Arrested for DUI Drug Charges?

DUI penalties can be quite stiff in Illinois and the effects can be long lasting. You may be required to attend mandatory drug treatment, have your license suspended or revoked altogether, have to pay large monetary fines, perform community service, spend time in jail, or have an ignition interlock device installed in your car which would prevent you car from starting if you fail a breath test. If you are found with drugs in your car when arrested, this brings about further complications and penalties.

If an Illinois resident is convicted for DUI in any state, it will result in the automatic revocation of the individual's Illinois driver's license. If he is requested to submit to testing for blood, breath or urine and refuses after being arrested for DUI, this will result in the suspension of the Illinois driver's license.

On a first time DUI offense, if you are travelling with a minor in your car who is under 16 years of age, you are subject to being sentenced to six months in jail or 25 days of community service which benefits children and a mandatory minimum $1,000 fine.

Seek Competent Help

If you have been charged with a DUI, whether it's for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need to contact a competent DUI defense attorney immediately. At The Toney Law Firm, this is one of our specialties. We are highly experienced in Illinois DUI law and have a proven record of using our skills and knowledge to achieve winning verdicts for our clients in the Cook County area. We have attention to detail and can create a strategy to help defend you in the charges being brought against you. A DUI conviction can be not only detrimental to your future, but pose embarrassment and be defaming to your character.

Don't try to fight a DUI charge by yourself, contact a DUI Lawyer at our office today for a free consultation.