Illinois Lawmakers Consider Two DUI Bills

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DUI

Illinois lawmakers are considering two different bills which would affect Illinois residents who have multiple drunk driving convictions.

House Bill 3533 would require anyone who has two or more drunk driving convictions to participate in the Illinois’ Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) program for a minimum of five years before their license could be reinstated. The BAIID program was initially enacted in the state in 1994. A driver who is in the program is required to blow into the device, which measures the person’s blood alcohol level, in order for the vehicle to start. The current law does not require offenders to participate in the program. A person who has had their driving privileges suspended for drunk driving can simply wait until the length of suspension has passed and reapply for their license.

The inspiration for HB 3533 was the tragic death of 17-year-old Caitlin Weese, of Elgin, in 2003. The young girl was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver who had already been involved in several drunk driving incidents.

State officials credit the BAIID program with contributing to the decrease in DUI arrests since 2009, the year the program expanded to include even first-time offenders. Statistics show there has been a 31 percent decline in the number of DUI cases between 2009 and 2014.

The other measure the General Assembly is considering is House Bill 1466. This bill would allow a person with four or more drunk driving convictions the opportunity to apply for a restricted license. The current law states that anyone with four or more convictions is banned for life from driving. Under the proposed law, in order to be eligible for license reinstatement, the person would need to be able to prove that they have been clean and sober from drugs and alcohol for at least three years and would be required to participate in the BAIID program.

Even a first-time arrest for driving under the influence can have serious and far-reaching effects if you are convicted. If you have been accused of drunk driving, contact an experienced DuPage County DUI attorney to find out what legal options you may have. Call the offices of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. today at 630-472-9700.