Fox Chicago reported on 18-year-old Rakeem H. Roach, who was charged with an aggravated DUI (and eight other charges) after he allegedly ran through a stop sign and slammed into a Chicago Police car. Two officers were injured, but have since been treated and released.
Police News Affairs Officer Michael Fitzpatrick told reporters that in addition to the aggravated DUI charge, Mr. Roach was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, driving without a license, operating a vehicle without insurance, failing to reduce speed, negligent driving, and requiring headlights.
Although Mr. Roach legally is an adult, he's still underage with respect to alcohol consumption. It will be interesting to see how his Chicago DUI lawyer, if he decides to retain one, handles these serious charges. Most DUI cases end in a guilty plea, according to FindLaw.
The accident took place at about 12:58 a.m. last Saturday in the South Side Back of the Yards neighborhood. His alleged blood-alcohol content at the time of the incident was not reported.
Illinois has a zero tolerance policy in place for underage DUI violators, as explained on the Illinois State Police web site. For an aggravated DUI, the violator faces loss of driving privileges for at least one year, a possible prison sentence of one to 12 years, and a maximum fine of $25,000.
The explanation of the policy is preceded by some strong language about underage drinking and driving:
What will your parents say when you call home and tell them you are in jail? Illinois DUI laws for drivers under 21 years of age are tough and will affect your life for years-- if you live that long.
Hitting a cop car may carry even more weight, but an Illinois DUI lawyer can provide more details.
Related Resources:
- Zero Tolerance (LawBrain)
- The Suit Against Coors Brewing for a Drunk Driving Accident: Is There a Basis for It? (FindLaw)
- Search Chicago DUI Lawyers (FindLaw)
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