Chicago man convicted of drunk driving after fatal crash

 Posted on July 28, 2013 in DUI

A Chicago man faces up to 12 years in jail after causing a fatal drunk driving car accident. Authorities say that the man's blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he hit a parked Illinois State Police car early last year. The accident killed a stranded 42-year-old motorist who was sitting in the back seat of the car and seriously injured a trooper.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the man pleaded guilty to felony DUI charges arising out of the crash.

"I'm happy he's taking responsibility," the deceased motorist's sister said. "I hope it's for the right reason - because he feels remorse."

In Illinois, any DUI that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement is a class 4 felony that carries significant prison time. There are a variety of things that can be done to challenge a DUI including determining whether a breath test and adequately administered by a qualified individual.

Besides evidentiary issues, there are many cases in which prison time can be avoided when an individual pleads guilty to lesser charges. It is important to discuss your options with a qualified Illinois DUI lawyer before making any decisions regarding your particular case.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times, "Chicago man admits DUI in crash that killed motorist, injured trooper," Dan