DUI CAUSING 1 DEATH-4-20 YRS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Steve McClure

Creates a felony offense for DUI causing a death with enhanced penalties, including prison terms and factors that increase punishment for fatal impaired driving.

Summary of SB 3124 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and intent

The bill addresses offenses involving driving under the influence (DUI) when such conduct results in the death of another person. It specifies penalties and related offenses for DUI-causing a death, reinforcing accountability for fatal impaired driving.

Key provisions and changes

Creates or updates a criminal offense for DUI causing the death of a person.

Establishes a range of intended penalties tied to a DUI-causing-a-death scenario, emphasizing more severe punishment than standard DUI offenses when a fatality occurs.

May include enhanced sentencing provisions, potentially including prison terms, fines, and/or other penalties designed to reflect the gravity of causing a death while intoxicated.

The bill could specify aggravating factors or circumstances (e.g., involvement of a vehicle in motion, passenger injuries, degree of impairment, or prior DUI convictions) that influence sentencing.

May address related procedures such as charging standards, evidence requirements, and classifications (e.g., a standalone felony offense with a specific penalty tier).

Who/what is affected

Individuals charged with DUI causing a death would be subject to the new or enhanced offense and penalties.

The offense would impact defendants in criminal prosecutions where an impaired driving incident results in a fatality.

The bill could affect prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the court system by altering charging options, potential plea considerations, and sentencing calculations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill outlines the effective date upon enactment or specifies when the new offense and penalties would take effect.

It may include transitional provisions for ongoing cases or for cases filed before/after enactment.

Any changes to jury instructions, sentencing guidelines, or probation/performance requirements would be implemented in accordance with the bill’s text and relevant Illinois statutes.

Additional notes

Co-sponsor: Steve McClure

The title indicates the offense involves DUI resulting in a death with a potential 4-20 year penalty range, suggesting a felony grade with a lengthy imprisonment horizon. The exact statutory language (e.g., offense name, penalty tiers, aggravating factors) would be found in the bill text for precise details.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections (e.g., sentencing ranges, evidence standards, or procedural steps) once you provide the full text or any particular sections of SB 3124.