Laws prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol have been in place for over 100 years. These laws have become significantly more consistent and stricter across states over the past few decades. Now, all states consider DUI a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Someone charged with this offense may need a criminal law attorney in Rockford, IL, to avoid conviction.
Then and Now
Devices providing precise breath analysis became available in the 1950s. However, jurisdictions varied in how they defined illegal intoxication for drivers. Today, all U.S. states define illegal BAC as .08 percent or above for drivers aged 21 or older. With the legal drinking age being 21 across the nation, younger drivers are not allowed to have any BAC.
Penalties
States have laws regarding minimum punishments for DUI convictions. They impose minimum jail sentences, monetary penalties, and periods of time for suspending the driver’s license. Judges, though, can issue more severe penalties if they choose to. This is why having a criminal law attorney in Rockford, IL, for representation is advantageous, particularly for repeat offenses.
An Example
These defense attorneys look at all aspects of the case. If the BAC was .08 or .09, for example, the DUI lawyer may convince the prosecution to drop the charge in exchange for a conviction of reckless driving. This is still a misdemeanor in Illinois but not considered as serious as DUI.
Anyone wanting to speak with an attorney about fighting DUI charges can find contact information for the Crosby Law Firm.
