Get help from an Illinois DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with DUI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing an Illinois DUI understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a capable and professional DUI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

The DUI criminal charge in Mount Prospect, Illinois is prosecuted and adjudicated in the courts. This charge is separate from the Statutory Summary Suspension, which is an administrative process. A person convicted of an Illinois DUI who lost their Illinois driving privileges because of a summary suspension will have that time credited to the minimum driver's license period of revocation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI?

According to Illinois DUI laws, the state initiates two separate and simultaneous legal actions against you. A criminal action is brought against you in response to the ticket you were issued. An administrative action is brought against your Illinois driver's license by the Illinois Secretary of State. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Illinois, but it is imperative to remember that there may be other penalties to consider, and that each action must be handled on their own.

Illinois Statutory Summary Suspension

A Statutory Summary Suspension in Illinois automatically suspends the Illinois driver's license of a DUI offender who fails to complete, refuses to submit to, or fails chemical testing. The driver's license suspension becomes effective 46 days after the date of the notice of suspension.

Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Illinois law, an individual has 90 days to request a hearing to challenge a Statutory Summary Suspension from the Illinois Secretary of State. In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Secretary of State within 90 days.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Driving Privileges - A first DUI conviction results in the loss of driving privileges in Illinois for at least one (1) year.
• DUI & Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the Illinois DUI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent Illinois DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Monetary Fines - Fines for a first time DUI can be up to $2,500.00
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of an alcohol and drug remedial education program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driving privileges for 12 months.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender faces jail time of up to 1 (one) year.

Mount Prospect, Illinois DUI:

In Illinois, a driver is legally considered to be under the influence if they have used any illegal substance, have a BAC of .08 percent or greater, or are impaired by mediacation. A driver's BAC is based on the ratio of alcohol to blood or breath. However, an individual showing BAC levels between .05 and .08 percent may be convicted of DUI if additional evidence determines that the driver was impaired.

Contacting a DWI defense lawyer for a free consultation concerning your Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge in Mount Prospect, Illinois can help.