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Illinois recognizes DUI as a violent crime; therefore, victims of DUI are recognized as victims of violent crimes. Victims' rights are protected by statute and guaranteed by the Illinois Crime Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment.
Victims of DUI have the right to:
- Be treated with fairness and respected for their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process.
- Be notified of court proceedings.
- Communicate with the prosecution.
- Make a statement to the court at sentencing.
- Information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment and release of the accused.
- Timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.
- Protection from the accused through the criminal justice process.
- Be present at the trial and all the court proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless the victim is to testify and the court determines that the victim's testimony would be materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial.
- Have present at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an advocate or other support person of the victim's choice.
- Restitution.
Secretary of State Jesse White emphasizes that DUI-related crash victims and families will be notified of the offender’s driver’s license hearings if they request this information by sending a letter to: Secretary of State, Director of Administrative Hearings, 291 Howlett Building, Springfield, IL 62756.
This request is separate from any court notification or victim impact statement.
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