Based on information from the Bureau of Justice, approximately 9 percent of people arrested for driving under the influence were women in 1980. These days, women account for around 25 percent of all DUI arrests in the U.S.

Due to the sharp increase in women being charged with drunk driving, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation conducted a study to identify the reasons for the rise in arrests. According to the researchers, a very high percentage of the women charged with DUI reported that they had recently suffered a stressful event in their lives -- including the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship. Also, over 75 percent of the approximately 200 women interviewed revealed that they had prescriptions for medications to cope with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.

Some researchers have attributed the rise to an increasing number of women on the road, particularly those who are both working and balancing the responsibilities of home life.

Fight drunk driving charges in Illinois

Regardless of gender, when someone is charged with driving under the influence, the individual ought to be aware of his or her rights. In Illinois, the penalties associated with a drunk driving conviction will vary depending on whether the individual has prior convictions.

Upon a first offense, an individual could face jail time of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500. In addition, if convicted of one DUI offense, the individual will lose full driving privileges for a minimum of one year.

The penalties increase upon a second conviction for driving under the influence. In such cases, the motorist will face either a mandatory sentence of five days in jail or 240 hours of community service. The individual could be sent to jail for up to one year and be required to pay a fine of up to $2,500. If the second DUI conviction occurred within 20 years of the first, the motorist will also lose his or her full driving privileges for at least five years.

A motorist in Illinois facing a third DUI conviction may face felony charges. He or she could be sent to jail for up to seven years and be required to pay a fine of up to $25,000. In addition, the individual will lose his or her full driving privileges for at least 10 years.

If you are facing charges of driving under the influence in Illinois, seek the advice of a skilled criminal defense attorney to ensure a strong defense is established on your behalf.

Article provided by Johnson Law Group Visit us at www.bloomingtonnormalcriminaldefense.com