DUI Lawyer Country Club Hills Illinois | Drinking underage and DUI arrests

Illinois has a zero tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. This means that you can be arrested for DUI even if your BAC is .02% or lower. In fact, Illinois law states that anyone over the age of 21 can be arrested if they have any alcohol in their system if they are operating a vehicle on public streets, roads or highways. That is why it is imperative that you have an experienced DUI lawyer Country Club Hills Illinois who cares about protecting your rights and your future. 

The criminal defense attorneys at The MacNeil Firm are extremely dedicated to offering passionate representation to our Illinois clients. Our number one goal is to give our clients personalized attention and legal advocacy that they cannot find anywhere else. Consider contacting us today to schedule a totally free consultation at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947.

Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal in Illinois

• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol.
• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess alcohol.
• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol.

You may be arrested for driving under the influence if you are under 21 and have a BAC of .02% or higher. If you are caught driving with a BAC of .02% or higher, it is likely that both law enforcement and prosecutors will treat your case as if it were a DUI. You could face penalties including fines, license suspension and community service requirements.

The penalties for violating this law can be severe. They include fines, jail time, probation and license suspension. You may also have to complete community service hours and attend alcohol education classes. Because of Illinois’ Zero Tolerance Law, a driver under age 21 caught with any trace of alcohol in his/her system will lose his/her driving privileges.

Arrested for drinking under the age of 21

In Illinois, if a driver under age 21, is stopped and issued a citation for a traffic violation, and found to have any trace of alcohol in their system while operating a motor vehicle, his or her driving privileges will be suspended. If the driver refuses to submit to testing, their driving privileges will be suspended. There may also be fines and possible jail time issued. 

If a driver’s license was suspended prior to age 21, the driver will be required to successfully complete a driver remedial education course to make their driving privileges valid again. In addition, they may be required to submit to a complete driver’s license examination to be re-issued a driver’s license. Consequences get more severe if there is a 2nd or 3rd offense or if there are aggravating circumstances, such as causing bodily harm or death. If you have been arrested for an underage DUI, contact our DUI lawyer Country Club Hills Illinois for a consultation. 

Drinking underage and DUI arrests

The costs of a DUI can be high. Your insurance will increase, there will be legal fees to pay, and possible court costs. In addition, you may have to pay for an alcohol abuse class and the installment of an interlock device. Other costs may include a fee for reinstating your driver’s license and costs for medical expenses. The state of Illinois estimates the average underage DUI costs about $12,000. 

If you do and get caught by the police, your life can change forever. Aside from fines, classes, and possible jail time, there will be restrictions that can affect your future. It may be difficult to get a job as many employers conduct background checks and a DUI would come up. It may also be difficult to get admitted to a college or university or fine housing in the future because a DUI stays on your record. 

If you are under 21 and have been arrested for DUI, it is important that you seek legal representation immediately. It is also important to understand the consequences of this charge. If convicted, you could face fines and even jail time. In Illinois, drinking underage and DUI arrests can have serious consequences on your life such as losing your license or even having it revoked permanently if found guilty. 

You need attorneys who want to protect your rights and protect your future. At The MacNeil Firm, our DUI lawyer Country Club Hills Illinois is here for you. With decades of experience among us, our family of lawyers has the knowledge and courtroom experience to serve you and your case. 

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Compassionate criminal defense attorneys at The MacNeil Firm Ltd. Illinois provide personalized services to their clients.