DUI on an ATV

In Illinois, you do not have to be operating a car, truck, or commercial vehicle to receive a DUI charge. There are a number of other vehicles, such as ATVs, four-wheelers, and other recreational vehicles that are illegal to operate while drunk or high. Due to the fact that drunk drivers cause tens of thousands of deaths every year, driving under the influence is taken very seriously in the United States. A conviction can lead to a number of harsh penalties, such as license suspension and incarceration.

It can be shocking to receive a DUI charge while riding an ATV. You may not have realized that drinking while off-roading was illegal, and you may have been miles from the nearest road when you were arrested. Our Chicago DUI lawyers at O’Meara Law understand how difficult these situations can be. You may not know what your family will do without you, and you may be terrified of losing your job.

Attorney Michael O’Meara will give your case the attention it needs. With over 20 years of legal experience, he can pursue every avenue until he finds the solution that is best for your case.

To find out how you can put this whole mess behind you, call 312-909-0706 for a free consultation.

Being Charged with a DUI on an ATV

Believe it or not, it is entirely possible to be charged with a DUI while operating an ATV. In Illinois, driving under the influence is defined as operating a vehicle while high or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of above .08 percent. While not explicitly stated in Illinois statute, ATVs, four-wheelers, and even golf carts are considered motorized vehicles that cannot be operated while intoxicated. In most cases, an ATV DUI arises when a person is driving their vehicle on a main road or major thoroughfare. However, it is possible to be charged with this crime while driving in the woods or on back roads.

Criminal and Collateral Consequences of ATV DUI

The penalties for an ATV DUI are the same as those that are assigned for typical DUI cases. If at the time of your arrest, you refuse a breathalyzer test, your license will be suspended for one year. On the other hand, if you submit to the test and fail, the suspension period will be six months. In addition, there are several categories of criminal penalties that may be suffered if a conviction is reached.

The penalties that are often associated with a first-time DUI offense of driving under the influence include, but are not limited to:

  • A fine of up to $1,000
  • A jail sentence of up to six months
  • Court ordered community service
  • Classes related to drug and alcohol abuse

A criminal conviction also carries consequences that are difficult to foresee. Finding employment after you are released from jail, for example, can be very difficult. This is because most employers shy away from hiring those with conviction histories. It might also be a struggle to continue your education, as most colleges and universities have policies that forbid students with criminal records. Many scholarships and other forms of financial aid will also be out of reach.

How O’Meara Law Can Help

While being accused of a crime has no easy resolution, the help of a skilled defense attorney can make a world of difference. One effective defense in DUI cases is proving that your rights were violated at the time of your arrest. If you were not read your Miranda rights, or if you were abused by police, it may be possible to get evidence excluded from the case or your charges dismissed altogether.

If you are being charged with a DUI, you need a capable Chicago DUI lawyer on your side. Contact O’Meara Law today. Attorney Michael O’Meara has spent time on both sides of the courtroom. With his experience, he can anticipate the prosecution’s strategy in order to craft a winning defense. He will do whatever it takes to get your charges eliminated or reduced, whether that involves analyzing evidence or launching a full-scale investigation.

Call 312-909-0706 today to see how you can move on with your life.

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