Illinois State Police Release DUI Enforcement Numbers: What This Means for Drivers Across the State

The Illinois State Police (ISP) recently released the results of a DUI-focused enforcement effort in Effingham County. This initiative, which included roadside safety checks and occupant restraint enforcement patrols, led to 30 arrests or citations and 64 written warnings. While this specific operation was carried out in Effingham, its message is statewide. Illinois drivers should take notice.

These enforcement results are not isolated. They reflect a broader push by law enforcement agencies across Illinois to crack down on impaired driving, especially in rural areas and during targeted patrol efforts. For those who are arrested or charged during these campaigns, the consequences can be severe. Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates defends clients in DUI cases throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will, DeKalb, and Kendall counties. The firm understands how these enforcement tactics affect both first-time and repeat DUI offenders and how critical it is to act quickly if you are charged.

What Happened in Effingham?

During the campaign, the ISP focused its efforts on high-traffic areas known for previous DUI incidents. Officers issued 30 citations or arrests for offenses that included driving under the influence, seatbelt violations, and other traffic infractions. An additional 64 drivers were issued written warnings. Although the ISP press release does not specify how many of the 30 citations were directly DUI-related, these numbers point to an aggressive law enforcement approach.

This kind of campaign is not unusual in Illinois. Throughout the year, especially around holidays and during the summer months, law enforcement agencies conduct what they call “zero tolerance” initiatives. These typically include roadside sobriety checks, increased patrol presence, and greater emphasis on identifying impaired drivers. Often, these operations receive federal grant funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The public is usually given advance notice of these campaigns, but that does not change the level of scrutiny drivers face. If you are pulled over during one of these operations, the stop may start with a minor issue like a seatbelt violation or expired registration. However, it can quickly escalate into a DUI investigation based on the officer’s subjective observations.

Why These Campaigns Matter for Drivers Facing DUI Charges

These enforcement initiatives are designed to send a clear message: Illinois law enforcement takes DUI very seriously. But for the individuals caught up in these sweeps, the consequences extend far beyond a traffic stop.

Even a first-time DUI arrest can lead to the following penalties:

• A mandatory statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license, beginning 46 days after arrest
  
• Up to one year in jail
  
• Fines that can exceed $2,500
  
• Mandatory installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) if seeking driving relief
  
• Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
  

For those with prior offenses, or if aggravating factors are present such as transporting a minor or causing bodily harm, the penalties escalate dramatically. A second or third DUI offense can be charged as a felony, bringing the possibility of prison time and long-term license revocation.

Statewide operations like the one in Effingham are part of a broader strategy that prioritizes DUI prosecution in both urban and rural courts. Prosecutors are under pressure to secure convictions. The Illinois Secretary of State takes administrative action quickly, even before the court case is resolved. That is why it is essential to respond to a DUI arrest immediately and with experienced legal representation.

Legal Defenses Are Available, Even During Aggressive Enforcement

Despite the intensity of these DUI crackdowns, an arrest is not the same as a conviction. Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates frequently challenges the legality of traffic stops, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the reliability of chemical testing. In many cases, clients are surprised to learn that procedural mistakes, constitutional violations, or insufficient evidence can lead to favorable outcomes.

In a recent case in DuPage County, a client was arrested during a holiday weekend enforcement sweep. Officers claimed the client had failed multiple field sobriety tests. However, through cross-examination and review of squad car footage, it became clear that the client had physical conditions that interfered with the tests and that the stop lacked proper justification. As a result, the DUI charge was dismissed, and the firm successfully petitioned to have the arrest record sealed. Each case is unique. The key is understanding the interplay between administrative penalties, such as license suspensions, and criminal charges. During major ISP campaigns, law enforcement is focused on volume. That can sometimes result in errors, oversights, and violations of defendants’ rights. Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates works to expose those issues and protect clients’ futures.

Drivers in All Counties Should Pay Attention

Although the recent operation took place in Effingham County, it should serve as a warning to drivers across Illinois. In Cook County, where the court system is large and complex, DUI cases move quickly from arrest to arraignment. In DuPage County, where Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates is based in Oak Brook, law enforcement is highly organized and prosecutors take a firm stance against impaired driving. Lake County has a reputation for strict sentencing, especially when BAC levels are elevated or when the accused refuses testing.

If you are pulled over in any of these counties during a DUI-focused patrol, you may find yourself facing multiple charges in a matter of minutes. The way these cases are handled in court can vary, which is why having representation from a defense team that understands county-level procedures is so important.

Questions About DUI Enforcement in Illinois

Are roadside safety checks legal in Illinois?
Yes, roadside safety checks are legal and regularly upheld by Illinois courts. However, police must follow strict guidelines regarding the location, signage, and administration of these checkpoints. If procedures are not followed correctly, the stop may be challenged in court.

Can I refuse a field sobriety test during a DUI stop?
Technically, yes. Field sobriety tests are voluntary in Illinois. However, refusing may raise suspicion and could lead to arrest. The officer may still ask for a breath test or other chemical testing, which carries separate consequences if refused.

What happens if I refuse a breath test during a DUI stop?
Refusing chemical testing will trigger a longer statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license. For a first offense, the suspension is one year. For repeat offenders, it is three years. These administrative penalties apply regardless of whether you are later convicted.

Is a DUI arrest during a statewide campaign treated differently?
The law is the same, but officers are often under pressure to meet enforcement goals during these periods. This can sometimes lead to rushed procedures, which may be challenged by an experienced defense attorney.

How can a DUI attorney help after a roadside arrest?
An attorney can evaluate the legality of the stop, request video and audio evidence, challenge the validity of the testing, and represent you in both court and administrative hearings. Early legal intervention can lead to reduced charges, dismissed cases, or preservation of driving privileges.

Facing a DUI After a DUI stop? 

The increase in DUI enforcement operations across Illinois is not just a trend. It is a policy decision that affects thousands of drivers every year. If you have been arrested for DUI during one of these campaigns, you need experienced legal representation that understands the legal, procedural, and technical sides of your case.

With over 25 years of experience handling DUI cases across Cook, DuPage, Lake, and surrounding counties, Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates is ready to defend your rights. From challenging field sobriety tests to fighting license suspensions, the firm provides strategic defense aimed at minimizing the impact of a DUI charge on your life.Do not wait for your court date or the start of your license suspension. Call today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and your options.

Your future matters. Let Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates help protect it.