Out-Of-State DUI Convictions and Driving in Illinois
For many Americans, moving from one state to another is a chance to start brand new. Moving is an opportunity to leave the person you were behind and to create a new beginning. Occasionally the past can leap out and bite us when we least expect it. What if one of the hidden details from the past is a DUI conviction? How would that affect your standing now that you have moved to Illinois?
The Circumstances
Two different DUI scenarios exist in which what happens in the other state will have a direct impact on an Illinois driving record. These scenarios are:
- You are a legal resident of Illinois and are traveling to another state, or
- You are are a new resident to Illinois from another state.
In either situation mentioned, Illinois will likely be notified if you are the recipient of a DUI charge. Additionally, Illinois will discover if there was a refusal to submit to chemical testing (blood, breath, or urine) and any results to breathalyzer testing. Sharing information between states is a common occurrence because a large number of states belong to the Interstate Compact Agreement.
What Will Illinois Do?
What Illinois does with the information is based on a case-by-case basis, but the conviction does get added to the Illinois driving record every time. If you are a resident of Illinois arrested while visiting another state, in many circumstances, Illinois upholds the penalties of the arresting state. The Illinois Secretary of State can also call for a mandatory revocation additionally, but the length of the revocation is directly based on previous Illinois driving history.
Not every state is a member of this compact and therefore do not need to report the information. Additionally, not every member obeys the requirements 100% of the time. However, it is federally required that before issuing, renewing or reinstating a driver's license, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) verifies with the National Driver Registry (NDR) and via the use of Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS). Therefore, even if you have not had any repercussions immediately following the event, it can still affect you in the future.
Although the judge makes all decisions regarding any DUI, there is one thing that is always certain: a DUI conviction can be disruptive to any lifestyle. If you have been charged with a DUI in the state of Illinois or elsewhere, it is advised that you discuss your case with a qualified Maywood DUI defense attorney. Articles such as these give a great starting point to begin your search for your options, but are by no means a replacement for a comprehensive, free initial consultation. Contact Stringini & Garvey, P.C. today at 630-834-9595 to schedule your free consult. We are proud to serve clients in Glendale Heights, Lombard, Bloomingdale, and all surrounding Chicagoland areas.
Sources:
http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/automotive-law/dui.php
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf
