Politics & Government

Cross, Reboletti Push for Stricter DUI Law Following Drunk Limo Driver at OEHS Prom

The law would call for felony charges for when a hired driver transports passengers while under the influence of alcohol.

Following an incident in which a drunk limo driver drove 23 Oswego East High School students to prom, House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and state Rep. Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) are stepping up.

They have partnered with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin to introduce legislation that calls for felony charges when a hired driver transports passengers while under the influence of alcohol.

Limosine driver Richard Madison was charged with misdemeanor DUI and reckless conduct after transporting Oswego East High School students to their prom in Glen Ellyn last weekend. Madison’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit, but was not charged with a felony, said a release from Tom Cross' office.

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“When hiring a driver, you expect safe travels from a professional who is sober,” said Cross. “This time of year, many of our teenagers are heading to prom and enjoying this milestone in their life.  Their parents shouldn’t have to worry about getting their kids there safely.  Imagine the horror of these Oswego East High School students this weekend when they had to call their parents to tell them that their driver was drunk.”

While DUI is a Class A misdemeanor, current Illinois law allows for a DUI felony charge if a school bus driver is caught transporting passengers are under the age of 18 while under the influence of alcohol.

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

House Bill 3630 would give states’ attorneys the ability to charge a for-hire driver with a Class 4 felony if he/she is guilty of driving passengers while under the influence of alcohol.  This crime would be punishable by 1-3 years in prison or up to 2 ½ years of probation. In addition, a school bus driver who is guilty of driving under the influence will be guilty of felony aggravated DUI, regardless of the age of the passengers.

Both Reps. Cross and Reboletti are former prosecutors and believe this will give states’ attorneys another option to charge alleged criminals appropriately.

“For-hire drivers assume the responsibility of each and every life in that vehicle,” said Reboletti. “If they want to abuse that responsibility then they are going to suffer the consequences with increased penalties.”

“Whether hailing a cab or contracting with a professional livery service, passengers have the right to expect that they will arrive at their destination safely,” said Bob Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney.  “Increasing the penalty for drivers of these vehicles convicted of DUI sends a message that as the person responsible for the safety of others, you will face a stiffer penalty if found guilty of DUI.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here