It may not seem like a big deal to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after few drinks, though drivers arrested for drunk driving in Illinois can face harsh consequences. This is especially true when an accident occurs that results in injury or death to another person. A conviction for DUI or DWI in the state can carry long-term penalties, and it is therefore important for those facing these charges to be prepared with a criminal defense.
A Romeoville man was arrested in Bolingbrook for drunk driving after an accident involving his Dodge Journey. According to police, the vehicle struck a median wall along I-55, causing the vehicle to flip. The driver of the vehicle was accompanied by three children riding in the back of the vehicle, and all three boys were ejected from the SUV. Two of the children suffered serious injuries and were taken to a hospital, while the third, the driver’s son, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police claim the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, and he now faces six counts of aggravated DUI for the incident. It is difficult to say what caused the driver to leave the road, and if he was intoxicated, how much of a role the alcohol played in the accident.
If you have been charged with drunk driving, you should familiarize yourself with the penalties you may face. Illinois law takes into account the number of DUI offenses a person has on his or her record, and other factors may be considered in your case to help you receive reduced charges. Protecting yourself should be a priority in order to avoid a potentially life-altering sentence.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Dad charged with DUI in son’s death reflects national trend,” Ted Gregory and Geoff Ziezulewicz, May 6, 2014