Illinois DUI Lawyer Blawg
Although citizens in every state in the nation are charged with DUI offenses, some states experience a higher rate of DUI crimes than others. Recently, the United States Drug Test Centers conducted research regarding DUI trends throughout the country in the last several years and set forth a report delineating, in part, which states had the highest rate of DUI arrests. While Illinois had one of the lowest rates of DUI arrests, Illinois residents charged with DUI offenses should nonetheless be vigilant in protecting their rights and should consult a seasoned Illinois DUI attorney to assist them with asserting a strong defense.
Recent Statistics Regarding DUI Arrests Throughout the Country
Allegedly, according to the report, there were over one million DUI arrests throughout the country in 2018, which represented a decline from the number of arrests in 2014 but a slight increase from 2017. The report also indicated that men are three times more likely than women to be arrested for DUI, with men making up close to seventy-five percent of total DUI arrests. Additionally, when the race of the person arrested was indicated, white people were far more likely to be arrested for DUI than any other race, making up over eighty percent of total DUI arrests.
The total number of DUI arrests varied greatly from state to state, with states in the Western region of the country experiencing higher rates than other parts of the country. A total of twenty-eight states have greater DUI arrest rates than the national average, while Illinois and Delaware have DUI rates lower than the national average. While DUI rates have increased in fourteen states, overall, the population-adjusted rates of DUI have fallen throughout the country. In Illinois, specifically, DUI arrest rates decreased over thirty percent from 2009 to 2018. From 2014 to 2018 alone, DUI arrest rates in Illinois decreased by approximately twenty-two percent.
Illinois DUI Laws
Under Illinois law, a person can be charged with DUI for being in physical control of a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or greater, but they can also be charged with DUI for controlling a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Thus, if a person operates a vehicle while impaired due to the use of alcohol, he or she may be arrested, despite the fact that there is no evidence of the person’s blood-alcohol level. The penalties a person convicted of DUI may face depends on numerous factors, including whether it is a first or subsequent offense, whether anyone was injured as a result of the DUI incident, and the person’s blood-alcohol level at the time of his or her arrest.
Discuss Your Charges with an Experienced DUI Attorney
If you live in Illinois and are charged with a DUI offense, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced Illinois DUI attorney to discuss your options for attempting to avoid a conviction. Attorney Theodore J. Harvatin, of the Harvatin Law Offices, PC, is a proficient DUI defense attorney, and he will vigorously advocate on your behalf. Mr. Harvatin can be contacted at 217.525.0520 or Via the online form to schedule a confidential and free meeting.