Does a DUI in Illinois give you a criminal record?

Under DUI laws in Illinois, a DUI charge may lead to a criminal record in certain instances. DUI charges are criminal charges, and they also have criminal penalties associated with them like a requirement that you spend time in jail and pay fines or do community service. However, if you are a first offender and do not have a history of DUI on your record already, you may be able to keep that first DUI off your history. This is possible through something called "court supervision." If you are put on court supervision, then you will need to complete a set period of probation and meet other requirements as ordered by the court (like getting drug counseling, for example). Provided you meet all the requirements and do not get into any trouble again during the probation period, then the DUI is usually not going to show up on your criminal record.

The first DUI will, however, be seen by law enforcement if you are charged with any subsequent DUIs and it will count against you in determining whether the subsequent offense is your first or not. For any offenses after the first, court supervision is not an option and you are going to have criminal charges on your record. Further, there is no "wet reckless" option in Illinois for you to plead the charges down to, so you usually are going to have to deal with the consequences of a DUI when you get one, even if you arrange a plea bargain or deal with the prosecutor. 

To get help determining what your options are for dealing with an Illinois DUI, it is in your best interests to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.