Chicago DUI Attorneys

Serving Drivers in Greater Chicago, Sycamore & DeKalb County

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious matter in the state of Illinois. Because initial DUIs are categorized as misdemeanors, you may not think your DUI will have much of an impact on your life. However, this is far from true. If you want to minimize or avoid the harsh consequences that can follow a DUI conviction, you should bring in an attorney experienced in Illinois DUI defense. 

At Jeffrey & Erwin, LLP, our capable legal team has the experience, skills, and resources you need to put up an aggressive defense, whether this is a first-time DUI or a repeat offense. We understand DUI law as well as the science and technology behind DUI evidence, police procedure, and how prosecutors work to convict you. We can use all the legal tools at our disposal to help you fight both the criminal penalties and long-terms effects a DUI conviction can have on your life. 

Arrested for DUI in or around Chicago? Turn to an experienced criminal defense firm for strategic help. Contact Jeffrey & Erwin, LLP for a free case evaluation using our online request form or by calling (779) 222-5600.

DUI Charges in Illinois

In Illinois, you can be charged with DUI if you are found driving or in physical control of your car (whether the vehicle is moving or not) with a certain amount of alcohol or drugs in your body or if law enforcement determines you are impaired.

This can occur in the following scenarios: 

• Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or higher 
• You are “under the influence” of alcohol regardless of your BAC
• You are under the influence of alcohol, intoxicating drugs, or a combination of both to the point that driving capability is impaired
• You are found with any amount of drugs in your system
• You are found with five nanograms of THC (from cannabis) in your blood 

Being charged with a DUI in a first offense is a Class A misdemeanor. It carries penalties of up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2,500 along with a license suspension of up to a year. You may be required to fulfill a certain number of community service hours and be put on probation for a specific time period. You may also be required to undergo alcohol or drug evaluation followed by potential recommended treatment as well as attendance at a victim impact panel that shows you how DUI accidents affect the lives of victims. You will also likely face a hike in your auto insurance rates or may even find your insurance canceled.

If you were found driving with a passenger under 16, or your BAC measured .16 percent or higher, or you have prior convictions, you can expect even stiffer penalties. 

During your license suspension, you may apply for a restricted license that will allow you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and alcohol or substance treatment. However, you will have to install and maintain an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle at your own expense to do so. 

Finally, a conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record that can be accessed by future employers, landlords, higher education institutions, and professional licensing agencies to whom you will have to explain what happened. Future opportunities may be closed to you because of this. 

Because of the negative effects of a DUI conviction, it is essential that you turn to a competent and proven defender. Our Chicago DUI lawyers routinely defend drivers against DUI charges and have years of experience in doing so. 

Put your trust in a firm that has consistently proven itself. Contact a Chicago DUI attorney online or at (779) 222-5600 today.