Co-Authored by Sarah Toney
Consequences of a DUI
Under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 (225 ILCS 60/1), the IDFPR may “revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action” against any licensed healthcare professional. This includes fines of $10,000 or more (225 ILCS 60/22). Violations that may lead to these actions include dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct, particularly excessive alcohol use, which the Department believes impairs a professional’s ability to practice with the “reasonable judgment, skill, or safety” needed to protect the public (225 ILCS 60/22).
Losing your professional license or being placed on probation can have significant consequences, including job loss, difficulty finding future employment, and challenges obtaining a license in another state.
DUI Conviction… Now What?
If you are convicted of a DUI, you can take steps to improve your situation. In addition to hiring a criminal attorney for your DUI charges, it’s crucial to retain an attorney with expertise in professional licensing matters before reporting your conviction to the licensing board. While you must report the DUI, an attorney will guide you on how to present it in the best light before the board. If you’ve already received notice of the board’s intention to take adverse action based on your conviction, respond quickly and correctly.
In Illinois, most first-time DUI convictions are considered Class A misdemeanors, with penalties including:
- revocation of driving privileges for one year (two years if the driver is under age 21);
- suspension of vehicle registration;
- with a BAC of .16 or more, an additional mandatory minimum fine of $500, and 100 hours of community service;
- while transporting a child under age 16, additional possible imprisonment of up to six months, a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000, and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children.
A second DUI conviction without mitigating circumstances is also a Class A misdemeanor but with harsher penalties including:
- mandatory minimum imprisonment of five days or 240 hours of community service;
- revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of five years for a second conviction;
- suspension of vehicle registration.
In Illinois, a third or fourth DUI is a Class 2 felony. A fourth DUI also results in a lifetime suspension of driving privileges and other penalties. Committing an Aggravated DUI—driving under the influence while transporting a child under 16 and causing bodily harm—results in a Class 4 felony, even for a first offense.
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