Illinois DUI Statistics

Illinois experienced a slight decrease of 1.13 percent in arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) from 2005 to 2007, according to the 2009 Illinois DUI Fact Book. The state's non-tolerance approach to underage drinking drivers seems to be paying off; the reduction in that category was 8.14 percent.

This year, the state extended its blood alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) program, previously applied to repeat DUI offenders, to include first-time offenders. The device prevents a car from being started if the driver fails a blood alcohol content (BAC) breath test.

Numbers Show Improvement

Illinois DUI arrests numbered 50,192 in 2005, 50,109 in 2006 and 49,624 in 2007. A BAC of more than 0.08 percent is a violation for most drivers. The limit for those with a commercial driver's licenses is 0.04 percent. While some states allow a trace BAC amount for those under 21, Illinois allows none. There were 2,739 underage DUI arrests in 2005, 2,663 in 2006 and 2,516 in 2007.

State officials hope the tougher penalties for first-time offenders, who represented 83 percent of DUI arrests in 2007, will deter them from becoming repeat offenders. In addition to paying the BAIID provider for installation, monthly rental and periodic servicing, repeat offenders may also be required to make a monthly payment of up to $30 to the state's DUI Administration Fund.

State Lists Conviction Costs

The average cost of a DUI conviction in Illinois is said by state officials to be $16,080, including court costs, legal fees, loss of income, required rehabilitation class and counseling, fees for license reinstatement, the BAIID program, and at least three years of higher insurance premiums.

Contact a DUI Attorney

If you've been arrested for DUI, you need an experienced attorney on your side, to ensure the state is held to its burden of proof. If you are convicted, an experienced attorney may be able to ensure that your punishment is not disproportionate to the crime.