DUI - Driving Under the Influence - DUI Defense Attorney
Cook County, Will County, DuPage County - Experienced DUI Attorney
Driving under the influence (DUI) is the category used in Illinois for drivers operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. This term "DUI" can also be applied in Illinois to any driver operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of any substance that impairs the ability of the individual to safely operate the vehicle. Other states may use the terms DWI (Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired) or OWI (operating while intoxicated). Regardless of the label used in other states, any conviction resulting from a DUI, DWI, or similar offense is viewed the same as a DUI conviction within the state of Illinois and can result in a suspension of your driver's privileges for a minimum of 1 year.
Illinois DUI Convictions carry serious consequences
If an individual operating a motor vehicle is suspected by a police officer of being impaired, the driver and vehicle can be pulled over for further investigation. Any driver operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher can face criminal DUI charges in Illinois. Additional consequences, even if it is your first offense, could include suspension of driving privileges for a year or more, a fine of $2500, and even up to a year in jail.
Tougher sentence guidelines are imposed if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.16% or greater. With this higher blood alcohol concentration you could pay an additional $500 fine and 6 month jail sentence.
Repeat offenders (those with a prior DUI conviction) face a mandatory jail sentence, community service, and a multi-year license suspension. Fines for a repeat offender with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16% increase by $1,250 to $$3,750.
After two prior DUI convictions, any subsequent charge will be classified as a felony offense.
Experienced Illinois DUI Defense Attorney is invaluable.
It is vitally important that you seek the help of an experienced attorney if you have been arrested on a DUI charge in Illinois. Convictions for a DUI in Illinois carry very serious consequences and the period immediately following the DUI arrest is critical time. The need for experienced legal counsel is even more important if there is injury to a person or property. Jail, community service, severe fines, possible felony record - all of these are possible outcomes of an Illinois DUI conviction. I defend clients throughout the Chicago Area: Cook County, DuPage County, Will County. If you reside in or have been arrested for a DUI in Joliet, Wheaton, Skokie, Maywood or any of the towns in the Chicago land area, I can help you mount the best possible defense. Contact me today for a free consultation. Get help with your DUI today.