With 4th of July right around the corner, it’s important that you know Chicago is no stranger to setting up DUI roadblocks and checkpoints. Last year, many states set up no-refusal DUI checkpoints for Independence Day.
What Happens if Police Stop You at a 4th of July Checkpoint in Chicago?
If police stop you at a DUI checkpoint in Chicago or any of the surrounding suburbs, you could be facing serious consequences if you’ve been drinking.
You may be allowed to refuse a chemical breath test. However, you do so at your own risk; police will likely choose to take you to jail and have you submit to a blood test. It’s usually best to call a Chicago DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
The Consequences of a 4th of July DUI
While an arrest on the 4th of July won’t have different consequences than an arrest on any other day, here’s what you can expect from a conviction:
- Minimum of 1-year loss of driving privileges
- A maximum fine of $2,500
- Possible jail time of up to 1 year
Those are the consequences for your first conviction. If it’s your second or subsequent conviction, the penalties increase sharply, according to the Illinois State Police. You could be facing:
- Minimum of 5-year loss of full driving privileges (if this is your second conviction within a 20-year period)
- Mandatory 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service
- Possible imprisonment of up to 1 year
- Maximum fine of $2,500
A third conviction is a Class 2 felony, and it carries at least 10 years of lost driving privileges. You could spend up to 7 years in jail and face up to $25,000 in fines. From there, it only gets worse. That’s why you should make every effort to call a lawyer as soon as police pull you over if they’re accusing you of drinking and driving. The choices you make at that time can have a serious impact on your future… and your freedom.
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