Get help from an Illinois DUI Attorney

If an individual is charged with DUI, it is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a DUI charge in Illinois understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and knowledgeable DUI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

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

Statutory Summary Suspension

A Statutory Summary Suspension automatically suspends the license of a DUI offender who refuses to submit to, fails, or fails to complete chemical testing. The suspension becomes effective on the 46th day after the date of the suspension notice.

Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Illinois law, an individual has 90 days to request a hearing to challenge a Statutory Summary Suspension from the 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

• DUI Monetary Fines - Fines for a first time DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Rockford, Illinois can be up to $2,500.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers in Illinois are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the (CDL) commercial license.
• 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.
• Alcohol Evaluation & DUI - Successful completion of an alcohol and drug remedial education program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Illinois for those convicted of a DUI.
• Jail Time - A person convicted of a DUI for the first time faces jail time of up to 1 year.
• DUI & Illinois Driving Privileges - A first Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction results in the loss of driving privileges for at least one year.

DUI while Suspended or Revoked for Previous DUI (Driving Under the Influence); Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash or Personal Injury; Reckless Homicide; or Aggravated DUI with a Death

• A first conviction is a Class 4 felony with possible 1-3 years jail time; loss of driving privileges for double the original suspension period or additional 1 (one) year revocation of driving privileges.
  • If suspended for previous DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Additional 30 consecutive days jail time, 40 days of 24-hour periodic imprisonment or 720 hours community service (terms of imprisonment or community service not subject to sus-pension/reduction); not eligible for probation; fines of up to $2,500; may result in seizure and forfeiture of vehicle.

DUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI (Driving Under the Influence) violations. Due to the complexity of Illinois drunk driving laws, you may not be aware of your rights and the potential defenses available to your case. An experienced and competent attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a lawyer for an immediate, free consultation.

Driving Under the Extreme Influence - BAC of .16 or greater

A first conviction is a Class A misdemeanor with possible 0-12 months imprisonment; loss of driving privileges for minimum 1 year (if under 21, minimum 2 years); 100 hours community service; fines of $500-$2,500; eligible for RDP; may be required to have a BAIID installed in vehicle as part of driving relief.

Contact a DWI lawyer for a professional and free consultation concerning your DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge in Rockford.