Illinois DUI Lawyer Blawg
While states have various BAC threshold limits for per se DUI charges, in every state in the country, it is unlawful to drive while under the influence of alcohol. While in most instances, DUI charges arise out of the operation of a passenger vehicle, in many states, including Illinois, the DUI statutes do not limit such offenses to people driving cars or trucks. Instead, they merely specify that the operation of a motor vehicle while impaired due to the consumption of alcohol is unlawful. For example, in Pennsylvania, a teenager was recently arrested for operating a Gator after drinking. If you are charged with a DUI offense in Illinois, it is smart to talk to an Illinois DUI defense lawyer about your possible defenses.
Facts of the Pennsylvania Case
It is reported that a 19-year-old from Pennsylvania was arrested for driving under the influence while operating a John Deere Gator. The incident occurred on March 17, when police conducted a traffic stop after noticing the driver, identified as the suspect, leaving a Sheetz parking lot without using a turn signal. Additionally, the vehicle was not registered. During the stop, officers observed signs of alcohol impairment in the suspect.
It is alleged that a field sobriety test confirmed these suspicions, and a subsequent breathalyzer test revealed that the suspect’s blood alcohol concentration was five times the legal limit for an underage individual, which is 0.02 percent in Pennsylvania. The suspect faces multiple charges, including DUI-general impairment and DUI-minor, and was released pending a court hearing.
Illinois Law Regarding the Operation of Motor Vehicles While Under the Influence
In Illinois, the law regarding the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence encompasses more than just traditional passenger vehicles. Specifically, under the Illinois Vehicle Code, it is illegal to operate any motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This includes not only cars and trucks but also motorcycles, motorboats, snowmobiles, and even all-terrain vehicles.
The law stipulates that a person is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher or if they are impaired by drugs to the extent that they cannot safely operate the vehicle.
As such, criminal charges can indeed arise from the operation of non-passenger vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. People convicted of such crimes may face the same DUI penalties as those driving passenger cars, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and any prior DUI convictions.
Talk to a Dedicated Illinois DUI Defense Attorney
People can be charged with DUI offenses if they operate any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, but merely because a person is accused of a DUI crime does not automatically mean that there is sufficient evidence to convict them. If you are charged with a DUI crime, you should talk to an attorney about your options. Attorney Theodore J. Harvatin of the Harvatin Law Offices, PC, is a dedicated DUI defense lawyer who can assess the facts of your case and help you mount a compelling defense. You can contact Mr. Harvatin to arrange a consultation by calling 217.525.0520 or using the online form.