What You Need to Know About Drugged Driving Laws in Illinois

Illinois has some of the strictest drugged driving laws in the U.S. If you are charged with driving under the influence of a drug or a combination of substances that compromise your driving skills, you can be charged. In fact, if there is any substance, compound, or drug in your urine, blood, or breath due to cannabis consumption, you will be charged.

The state’s zero-tolerance policy on drugged driving means if an officer has a reasonable suspicion you are under the influence of drugs, you will be arrested. In fact, even if there is no physical evidence on your in your vehicle or drugs, you can still be taken into custody.

Prohibited Drugs

Drugs that are prohibited include cannabis or meth irrespective of the amount that is found in your system. In Illinois, besides alcohol, marijuana is the drug that is used most often before the intoxicated driver gets behind the wheel.

Even though drivers can use prescribed drugs before they get behind the wheel, if they are intoxicated and cause an accident due to their impairment, they are held accountable and charged with a DUI. If he/she refuses to take a drug alcohol test, their refusal can be admitted into the evidence during their trial.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence Of Drugs

If a driver is found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs, they can:

• Lose their license.
• Face a jail term.
• Have a permanent criminal record.
• Be ordered to pay hefty fines.
• Be ordered to complete a substance abuse treatment program.
• Lose their vehicle or be asked to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAID).

Lose their vehicle or be asked to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAID).

If you are the unfortunate victim of such a driver, you have way more to lose in comparison. Depending on the extent of your car accident injuries, you can lose your job, remain bedridden for the rest of your life, and may lose loved ones who suffered from injuries with you. Plus, why should you be burdened with medical bills which you would never have been faced with if not for the accident?

If the driver of the other car is at fault and refuses to cooperate when it comes to compensation, get in touch with an attorney at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens. We have more than 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims such as yourself in Chicago, Waukegan, Woodstock, Libertyville, and Antioch.