Even a first time drunk driving conviction in Illinois can cost much more than $10,000. A DUI conviction could mean losing your driver’s license or job, and possibly having difficulty getting a job in the future, or admitted to a college. You may have to participate in Illinois’ ignition interlock program, BAIID (Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device).

The penalties for DUI get progressively worse with each offense. A first or second-time DUI offender is usually charged with a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. A third DUI is a felony. A fourth DUI offense carries a three to seven-year prison sentence and is non-probationable. DUI number five carries a four to 17 year prison sentence, and DUI number 6, is a class X felony with a mandatory 6 to 30 year prison sentence (non probationable).

DUI laws involving injury or death to another can be found in Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-501, which states that a person “shall be guilty of aggravated driving under the influence” if the person “was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another.”

Aggravated DUI is a class 4 felony, which carries penalties of a prison sentence between 3 and 14 years (if one person was killed, or 6 to 28 years (if two or more people were killed).

Time is Of the Essence

If you are facing DUI charges in Chicago, contact the Chicago criminal law firm of Vadim A. Glozman. Time is of the essence. Under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you are guaranteed a speedy trial. While this is good – and saves time – it also means prosecutors will be hustling to gather evidence and build your case.

As soon as you are arrested, your arraignment will be scheduled. This is your first appearance before a judge and prosecutor. If you are able to have your attorney present at your arraignment, this is beneficial.

What Happens At the Arraignment

Although the arraignment is very short, this hearing is important. You will have the opportunity to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you have hired an attorney prior to the arraignment, your lawyer can advise you how to plead, and may be able to help get criminal charges reduced outside of court. If you plead guilty at the arraignment, the judge could enter a sentence on the spot at the arraignment, or set a date for sentencing. Note: If you do not attend your arraignment and do not have an attorney present, the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Defending Your DUI Charges

The reason for the traffic stop may be one consideration for a defense strategy, but there are many options available. Defenses to a DUI charge may be:

  • Improper vehicle stops
  • Inaccurate breath testing
  • Inaccurate blood test
  • Failure to prove who was driving
  • Lack of probable cause
  • Improperly administered / nonstandard DUI field sobriety test
  • Failure to warn about rights / failure to mirandize
  • Failure to record certification tests.

Once you have retained an attorney, you can work with your lawyer to strategize a defense to meet your goals and keep you out of jail. The goal may be maintaining your innocence, or it may be admitting guilt and keeping fines, jail and penalties to the minimum. There are many defense strategies available, and we can explain strategies that have worked for others in past cases. At Vadim A. Glozman, we will work with you to build a defense strategy that works for you.

Our past clients are empowered by knowing they have options, and find relief in knowing they have the team at Vadim A. Glozman on their side. Contact us today for a free consultation. Do not delay.