No. Illinois Rule of Evidence 404(b) generally bars other-crimes evidence to prove character or propensity. Prior DUI arrests and convictions are inadmissible during the guilt phase of a new DUI trial. Narrow exceptions allow prior acts to prove motive, opportunity, intent, or absence of mistake, but rarely apply in a typical DUI. If the defendant testifies, prior felony convictions less than 10 years old may be admissible for impeachment under Rule 609. Prior DUIs become highly relevant at sentencing, where they trigger mandatory enhancements and jail minimums under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. A Chicago DUI lawyer files motions in limine to keep prior conduct out of the jury's view.
