What Happens if an Underage College Student Gets a DUI in Illinois?
It is a well-known fact that colleges and universities are often hotbeds of reckless underage drinking. More than half of college students admit to riding in a car knowing the driver was under the influence, and college-age students represent an outsized share of drunk driving accidents.
Because of the inherent dangers of driving while drunk, Illinois takes driving under the influence (DUI) charges very seriously. At any age, getting hit with a DUI has expensive and long-lasting consequences, but the penalties faced by underage college students can be particularly damaging to a young adult’s future.
What Is a Zero-Tolerance Law?
Illinois law states that a minor who has even the smallest amount of detectable alcohol in their system while driving can be charged with an underage DUI and have their driver’s license suspended for three months to a year.
If an underage driver has a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or above, they can face standard adult DUI charges with more serious penalties. These include up to a year in jail and as much as $2,500 in fines. Underage drinkers charged with a DUI can also be charged with possessing, consuming, or buying alcohol.
Financial Consequences of a DUI
In addition to paying to post bail, get your car towed, and get your license back, there are legal fees, fines, and driver’s education school. Underage drivers with a DUI on their record also have extremely high insurance rates.
In addition, a car accident resulting from a DUI can be extremely expensive in terms of repairs, medical costs, property damage, and even loss of life.
Educational and Career Impacts of a DUI
In addition to the stress and embarrassment of getting convicted of a DUI, students may face serious academic consequences. If a student is a member of a school athletics team, he or she may be expelled from the team. Students could also face losing financial aid or scholarships and could even face sanctions from the school itself.
Certain career fields will not accept applicants who have DUIs on their record because people with DUIs are viewed as high-risk. Airlines, branches of the U.S. military, and public service positions like teachers and police officers are just a few examples of career fields that are typically closed to people with a DUI on their record.
Contact a Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney
Everybody makes mistakes, and one mistake should not ruin a promising future. If you are a college student just starting out in life and you have been charged with a DUI, you need the help of an experienced Will County criminal defense attorney. At Reeder & Brown, P.C., we can help you understand your options and will fight hard to defend your rights. Call us immediately to schedule your free consultation at 815-885-5980.
Source:
https://www2.illinois.gov/
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