If you’ve been charged with drunk driving in Illinois, you’ll notice your ticket says “DUI” — driving under the influence. But you might also have heard of “DWI”, or driving while intoxicated.
What’s the difference between DUI and DWI in Illinois? Is there any difference? That’s what the traffic attorneys at Driver Defense Team explain in this blog.
The Key Differences between DUI and DWI
When you know what each abbreviation stands for, you’d be forgiven for thinking that DUI and DWI are exactly the same. If you’re driving while intoxicated (DWI), then, surely, that’s the same as driving under…
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Updated March 2025
In a typical traffic stop for suspicion of DUI, a police officer may ask a driver to blow into a breathalyzer device. But can you refuse a breathalyzer test, and should you? And, what will happen if you do?
Our DUI attorneys at Driver Defense Team have put together this guide to give you the answers you need. We’ll explain your options when it comes to refusing a breathalyzer test in Illinois and how your decision can affect your case.
It’s important to know that if you’re facing a DUI charge, you should contact a Chicago DUI …
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Understanding the Illinois implied consent law is vital for drivers who want to protect their rights and avoid serious consequences during a DUI stop. This law determines your obligations when it comes to chemical testing and how refusal could impact your case. In this guide, you’ll learn about your rights, obligations, and strategies to navigate implied consent issues effectively.
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What is the Illinois Implied Consent Law?
The Illinois implied consent law is a legal framework that means that by obtaining a driver’s license in Illinois, you have consented to submit to chemical…
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You might feel overwhelmed if you face a traffic violation, municipal ordinance infraction, or misdemeanor charge in Illinois. While having your case dismissed is the ideal outcome and a conviction is the worst, court supervision offers a middle ground. It might just be your chance to keep a conviction off your record. Think of it as a deal with the court: meet their terms, and your record stays clean. But how does it work, who qualifies, and what happens if you slip up? 
Let’s break down court supervision in Illinois and help you navigate this potential lifeline.
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Breathalyzers and Field Sobriety Tests are some of the most powerful tools law enforcement uses to gather evidence in DUI cases. In Illinois, these tests are critical in building a case against individuals suspected of driving under the influence. If a law enforcement officer believes a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, they may pull them over and request that the driver undergo a Field Sobriety Test or a breathalyzer test.
While you are not legally required to do either of these tests in Illinois, the state operates under the principle of implied consent, which is applied when…
Continue Reading The Role of Breathalyzer and Field Sobriety Tests in Illinois DUI Cases

Knowing what steps to take is important if you are pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois. In this guide, we’ll explore Illinois DUI laws and explain why understanding your rights is crucial. By familiarizing yourself with DUI legislation, you can navigate these situations more effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
If you’re stopped for a DUI in Illinois, it’s advisable to consult an experienced DUI lawyer who is well-versed in state laws. A skilled attorney can work to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Understanding DUI Laws in Illinois
Under Illinois…
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We’re thrilled to announce that Driver Defense Team has been ranked number 1,553 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List, Inc. Magazine’s annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The Inc. 5000 List is a prestigious ranking that sheds light on the most successful independent businesses, and being part of this List for the second year in a row is not just a testament to our rapid expansion but also our unwavering commitment to exceptional service and client satisfaction. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s reflect on the dedication and teamwork that has gone into this achievement.
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Sobriety Test Results
Field sobriety tests have been used for decades to determine if someone is under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Typically, these tests are conducted by a police officer if a motor vehicle driver is suspected of not being sober while driving. Receiving a positive result on one of these tests can be disastrous. A DUI charge can have permanent consequences on anyone’s life.
However, this does not mean that the results of a sobriety test are always accurate. There are many factors that can affect the outcome of the test and it is possible to argue…
Continue Reading ¿Cómo Puede Un Abogado Desafiar La Validez De Una Prueba De Sobriedad En El Lugar?

Pasos Inmediatos a Tomar al ser Detenido por un DUI
No importa la situación, ser detenido por un cargo de DUI (Driving Under the Influence) es una situación muy estresante. Un cargo de DUI puede alterar varios aspectos de su vida y causar muchas más dificultades que sólo el cargo por sí solo. Lo más importante es mantenerse tranquilo y seguir los siguientes pasos.
El primer paso es comprender tus opciones cuando el oficial de policía te detiene. Si el oficial sospecha que estás bajo la influencia de una sustancia intoxicante, probablemente te pedirá que te hagas una prueba de…
Continue Reading ¿Cuáles Son Los Primeros Pasos Legales Que Debe Tomar Tras Ser Detenido Por Un DUI?

¿Qué exactamente cuenta como un DUI?
En los Estados Unidos, a cargo de DUI (Driving Under the Influence) se identifica si el conductor de un vehículo motorizado está bajo la influencia de alcohol u otras substancias intoxicantes que pueden afectar la capacidad del conductor para conducir el vehículo sin peligro. Específicamente con alcohol, los niveles de alcohol en la sangre son medidos por el oficial de policía que detuvo al conductor si el oficial sospecha que el manejador del vehículo no está sobrio. En Illinois, un nivel de alcohol en la sangre de 0.08% o más se considera DUI para…
Continue Reading ¿Cómo Puede Afectar Una Detención Por DUI su Estatus Migratorio En Los Estados Unidos?

What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction?
In the State of Illinois, if you are convicted of DUI (driving under the influence), the penalties for a conviction can be harsh. If you are facing a DUI charge, you’ll need the advice and services that a Chicago DUI lawyer offers, and you’ll need to get in touch with that lawyer immediately.
More than 20,000 motorists in this state were arrested for Driving Under the Influence in 2021. Many were innocent. But no matter the facts of your case, it is important to hire a Chicago DUI attorney who will fight…
Continue Reading How Does a DUI Conviction Impact Your Employment Opportunities and Professional Licensing?

Are You Facing a DUI Charge After Previous DUI Convictions?
The penalties for second and subsequent DUI (driving under the influence) convictions are considerably harsher than the penalties imposed for a first offense. If you are charged with DUI and you have one or more previous DUI convictions, contact a Chicago DUI attorney at once.
According to research published by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, a third of the traffic accident fatalities in the United States are alcohol-related. That organization’s research also indicates that up to 35 percent of all DUI offenders in the U.S. are repeat offenders.
Their…
Continue Reading Alternative Sentencing for Multiple DUI Offenses: Rehabilitation and Diversion Programs

Are You at Risk of Losing Your License Because of DUI?
When you face a driving under the influence charge in the State of Illinois, there are two separate and distinct ways that you can lose your driving privilege.
First, the Illinois Secretary of State can suspend your driver’s license by taking an “administrative action” called a statutory summary suspension.
Second, if you are convicted of driving under the influence in a criminal court, the Illinois Secretary of State will revoke your driving privileges indefinitely.
How Does a Driver’s License Statutory Summary Suspension Work?
When you are charged with driving…
Continue Reading What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a DUI Arrest?