If you have a prior DUI conviction and you are facing a new DUI charge in Illinois, your record will directly affect how serious the new charge is and what penalties you are looking at. Illinois law treats repeat DUI offenders significantly more harshly than first-time offenders. However, that does not mean that you can’t fight the charge against you, and Appelman Law LLC can help. If you are in this situation in 2026, our Naperville, IL DUI defense lawyer can walk you through exactly what you are facing and what can be done.
How Does Illinois Count Prior DUI Convictions?
Illinois looks back at your entire driving history when counting prior DUI convictions. Unlike some states that only look back a certain number of years, Illinois has no lookback limit. A DUI conviction from 20 or 30 years ago still counts as a prior offense under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, the Illinois DUI statute.