If you’ve been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Illinois, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, and rightfully so. A DUI conviction can lead to serious consequences, such as a revoked driver’s license and even jail time. But being arrested for DUI does not mean you are automatically guilty. In fact, many DUI cases can be successfully challenged with the right defense strategy.
At The Davis Law Group, P.C., we’ve helped hundreds of clients fight DUI charges across Illinois. Below are some of the most effective DUI defenses that we explore based on the specific circumstances of each
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Chicago DUI Lawyer Blog
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How Traffic Tickets Affect Auto Insurance in Illinois
The Direct Cost: Premium Spikes After a Ticket
In Illinois, a single speeding ticket can increase your annual insurance premium by roughly 20–27%, adding about $497–$582 per year to a full coverage policy.
- NerdWallet found that drivers in Illinois pay, on average, $2,244 with a speeding ticket – about $497 more per year than those with a clean record.
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Charged with Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know
When you’ve just been in an accident, the stress doesn’t stop when the vehicles are towed away. For many drivers in Illinois, the next challenge is dealing with a traffic citation—most commonly, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.
At The Davis Law Group, P.C., we understand how overwhelming this process can be. Our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights, help you understand your legal options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Why Was I Cited After a Crash?
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How Long Does It Take to Expunge a Case in Chicago?
Expungement is a legal process that removes arrests or charges from your criminal record—giving you a fresh start. One of the most common questions we receive at The Davis Law Group, P.C. is: “How long does it take to expunge a case in Chicago?” While delays exist depending on the current backlog of cases, below is a general timeline for expungement in Chicago. The timeline for expungements in the suburban districts of Cook County (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview and Markham) can vary as well. Chicago expungements typically take slightly longer based on the volume of cases.
The General Timeline…
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Protect Your Record: What You Need to Know About Aggravated Speeding in Illinois
In Illinois, driving 26 mph or more above the posted speed limit is more than a simple traffic ticket—it’s a criminal offense, commonly called aggravated speeding. This offense may carry serious implications, including potential jail time, license suspension, and a lasting impact on your record. At The Davis Law Group, P.C., we often receive questions about aggravated speeding in Illinois and the consequences it brings. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.
Can You Be Arrested for Speeding in Illinois?
Yes. In Illinois, speeding 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit is classified as…
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New Driver’s License Options for Non-Citizens in Illinois
As of July 1, 2024, a significant change in Illinois law now allows non-citizen residents, including undocumented immigrants, to obtain a standard driver’s license. This change offers new opportunities for many individuals who previously faced barriers to driving legally. Here’s what you need to know about this new development and how the driver’s license attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. can assist you in navigating these changes.
Key Changes to Illinois Driver’s License Law
Under the new law, undocumented immigrants who do not have a Social Security number are eligible to apply for a driver’s license. To qualify for…
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What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for DUI or Charged with a Traffic Offense in Lake County?
Being arrested for DUI or charged with a traffic offense in Lake County, Illinois, can be a daunting experience. However, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Calm and Compliant During the Traffic Stop:
1. Pull Over Safely: When you see the police lights, pull over safely to the side of the road.
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How to Fight a Chicago Traffic Ticket
When you receive a traffic ticket in Chicago, simply paying it and moving on may seem like the easiest option. However, it’s important to remember that when you pay a traffic ticket you are pleading guilty and likely receiving a conviction against your record. In many cases, you are actually better off hiring an experienced attorney to explore other options such as fighting your ticket. Some consequences of paying your citation include:
- Multiple moving violations can lead to a suspended or revoked license.
- Traffic tickets can cause increases in your insurance premiums.
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Does a Police Officer Have to Show You the Radar?
In Illinois, the law does not specifically require that a police officer show the radar to the driver in order to prove the speed alleged, even if the driver requests to see it. Many drivers believe that this requirement exists and that the failure to do so is a reason to have the speeding ticket dismissed. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Officer Choice to Show the Radar Gun
Occasionally, an officer will agree to show the driver the radar device in order to build trust with the driver, but the failure to do so is not a defense …
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What is the True Cost of a DUI in Illinois?
When calculating the true cost of a DUI in Illinois, you must consider both the financial and more importantly, the non-financial costs associated with a DUI arrest.
Financial Cost of a DUI
The financial costs of a DUI can be substantial. Most DUIs are charged as Class A misdemeanors, which carry a fine of up to $2,500.00 plus mandatory court costs and assessments. Court costs and assessments, which are set by law and which the judge has no control over, are approximately $1,400.00. Additionally, there are also expenses associated with the following:*
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Will a Traffic Ticket for an Accident Suspend my Driver’s License?
A conviction for a traffic ticket resulting from an accident, which caused personal injury or death, may result in the suspension or revocation of your Illinois driver’s license.
We often receive requests for help from drivers who have been involved in personal injury or fatal accidents and, as a result of being convicted of a minor moving violation, have unexpectedly received a notice of suspension or revocation of their driver’s license from the Illinois Secretary of State.
In many of these cases, these drivers were assured by the court, a prosecutor or even their own attorney that by pleading guilty…
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Do I have to appear in court for my Illinois traffic ticket?
Typically, you are only required to appear in court if your traffic ticket is marked as “Must Appear” or “Court Appearance Required”. On most tickets, a box will be checked by the officer that confirms whether you need to appear in court. These traffic tickets will also contain a court date, time and location. Traffic tickets that have a required court appearance are most often issued for violations which create a great potential for harm or carry mandatory minimum penalties such as an automatic driver’s license suspension. For many of these cases, it may still be possible for a traffic …
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Guide to Illinois Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations
The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your driver’s license for a variety of reasons. A license suspension lasts for a set period of time. After it ends, you can automatically regain your driving privileges after paying a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. Depending on the reason(s) for the suspension, there may be additional conditions before full license reinstatement such as completion of a remedial driving course.
In contrast, a license revocation lasts for a minimum of 1 year or longer depending on the violation that caused the revocation and your overall record of previous violations.
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New Secretary of State Rules for 2022
The Secretary of State has enacted new rules, which became effective on January 1, 2022, addressing out-of-state petitions for reinstatement; formal hearing procedures; informal hearing eligibility; time limits to complete restricted driving permit and reinstatement requirements; designation of four (4) different types of restricted driving permit and standards governing each type; using the restricted driving permit for other reasons; breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) violations; definition of a “DUI disposition”; updated evaluations; opiate substitution programs; medical cannabis; and prescribed opiate medication.
Additional details regarding these new rules can be found on this earlier blog post.
Attorney Larry A. …
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Summary of Secretary of State Administrative Rule Amendments (Effective 11/12/21)
OUT-OF-STATE PETITIONS
ALL OUT-OF-STATE PETITIONS MADE BY WRITTEN APPLICATION INSTEAD OF AN IN-PERSON APPEARANCE WILL BE CONSIDERED INFORMAL HEARINGS – 1001.100(b)
Written applications by out-of-state residents will no longer be considered formal hearings conducted pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/2-118. Accordingly, these applications will not be required to be accompanied by the $50.00 application fee. Decisions from these informal hearings will not constitute final administrative decisions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of the Administrative Review Act. 1001.100(b)(3) and 1001.300(a).
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Should I Take a Breathalyzer Test in Illinois?
If a police officer suspects that you have been drinking and driving in Illinois, they may ask you to take a breath test, commonly referred to as a breathalyzer test. The legal consequences of that decision can be significant.
With that in mind, there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to the question of whether you should take a breathalyzer test when pulled over. Every DUI case is unique and involves a specific set of circumstances. What is important is that you understand both the legal implications of a BAC test refusal as well as the consequences of submitting…
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