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When you're facing DUI charges in Chicago, the consequences can be overwhelming. Your future, career, and freedom are all at stake. At our family-owned criminal defense law firm, we understand the stress and uncertainty you're experiencing.
Our dedicated team of Chicago DUI lawyers is here to fight for your rights and provide the strong defense you need. With years of experience navigating Illinois DUI laws, we offer personalized strategies tailored to your unique situation. From your first free consultation, you'll see the difference our caring, results-driven approach makes.
Don't let a DUI charge derail your life – Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation Now
Hiring a DUI lawyer in Illinois can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000 for a solid, respectable attorney. Some lawyers might advertise lower prices, like $500 to $1,500, but here’s the catch: those cheap rates often mean they’ll push you to plead guilty fast instead of fighting your case. You get what you pay for, and a low price could mean less effort on your defense.
At Ktenas Law, we keep it real with our clients. Our DUI representation starts at $3,000, depending Frequently the severity of the case, and we offer flexible payment plans to make it easier on your wallet. We focus on high-quality defense without hidden tricks—our goal is to help you through this tough time with a fair price.
Related: How to beat your DUI?
A DUI conviction in Chicago can lead to severe consequences, depending on factors such as the number of offenses and the specifics of the case. Understanding these potential penalties is crucial for anyone facing DUI charges.
It's generally understood that DUI convictions are costly. But the true financial impact can be staggering. A first-time DUI offense can easily cost a defendant around $5,000, and in some cases, over $10,000.
Not many people have that kind of money just sitting around. This means a DUI conviction can quickly lead to serious money problems and debt.
These costs come from different places. Of course, the court will fine you, but you'll also have to pay other fees. These can include:
A DUI conviction often leads to your driver's license being suspended. This means you won't be allowed to drive for a certain period.
For a first DUI, your license could be suspended for up to one year.
Even after you get your license back, there might be more restrictions. You might have to use a device called an alcohol ignition interlock device in your car. This device tests you for alcohol or drug use before you can start the car.
A DUI conviction can land you in jail, but the time you serve depends on how serious the offense is. For a first-time DUI, you could face up to one year behind bars. If it’s not your first offense or if the DUI is considered aggravated, the jail sentence could be much longer.
Certain things can make a DUI charge more severe, turning it from a misdemeanor into a felony. These are called aggravating factors. For example, having a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or causing an accident that hurts someone can increase your jail time and bump up the penalties.
If stopped for suspected DUI in Illinois, an officer may ask you to exit your car and take tests to gather evidence for a DUI charge. The primary tests include:
Your Rights and Choices
It's important to know your rights in this situation. While you do have to get out of the car when an officer asks you to, you do not have to agree to perform either test. You have the right to refuse these tests. Additionally, you have the right to ask for a lawyer and the right to remain silent.
The Consequences of Refusal
However, refusing these tests comes with its consequences. Illinois law states that if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or other chemical test (like a blood or urine test), your driver's license will be suspended for a longer period than if you had taken the test and failed.
Why Refusal Can Help Your Defense
Even though there are consequences to refusing, it can sometimes make it easier for a lawyer to defend you against a DUI charge. Here's why:
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take these tests is a personal one. It's crucial to weigh the immediate consequences against the potential benefits for your legal defense.
DUI in Chicago is a grave charge with strict laws and hefty penalties. In Illinois, a DUI occurs if a driver has a BAC of 0.08%+ or is drug-impaired. Stricter rules apply for commercial drivers and those under 21.
General Laws | |
| BAC Limits | For most drivers, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher means a DUI. The limit is lower for drivers under 21 and commercial drivers. |
| Impairment by Drugs | DUI laws cover more than just alcohol. You can get a DUI if you’re impaired by drugs—legal ones like prescription meds or illegal substances. |
CDL Drivers | |
| Lower BAC Limit | Commercial drivers, like truck drivers, face a stricter BAC limit of 0.04%. This rule exists because their jobs come with bigger responsibilities. |
| Consequences | A DUI conviction can suspend or revoke a CDL driver’s commercial license. This could hurt their job and income, even if their personal license stays active. |
Drivers Under 21 | |
| Zero Tolerance | Drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance rule. Any trace of alcohol (BAC of 0.00%) while driving can lead to a DUI charge. No exceptions. |
| Penalties | A DUI for underage drivers brings tough penalties: automatic license suspension, fines, and required alcohol education or treatment. It can also mess up their driving record, making it hard to get a license later. |
DUI laws in Chicago are strict and vary depending on the driver’s age and type of vehicle. If you're a commercial driver, a minor, or an adult with a standard license, know these rules. They can help you navigate the legal system and seek advice if facing DUI charges.
If you’re dealing with a drunk driving charge in Chicago, you might be feeling pretty nervous about what’s going to happen next. Understanding the DUI court process can help ease some of that worry. The good news is that with the right help, you have a chance to challenge the charges against you.
In court, the prosecutor has to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which means there’s a lot of room to build a defense. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Want to learn more about what happens next? Keep reading to find out all the details about the DUI process in Illinois and how it could affect you.
If you've been arrested for a DUI, you might be wondering, "Will my license be suspended because of this?" It's a big concern, especially for drunk drivers in places like DuPage County.
The truth is, your license could be at risk of suspension depending on the circumstances of your arrest. The good news is that there are ways to fight it and keep your record clean. It’s important to understand what’s at stake and what you can do to try and prevent a suspension.
There are several ways to get your license back if you have lost your license because you were arrested for DUI. The first way is to petition the court to have a hearing. This hearing is commonly referred to as a petition to rescind the statutory summary suspension and requires an evidentiary hearing in front of a judge. If your license is revoked, you must have a hearing with the Secretary of State in order to get your license back.
In Illinois, a drunk driving conviction stays on your driving record permanently. Unlike some other offenses, a DUI cannot be expunged or sealed, meaning it will remain visible to law enforcement, employers, and others who check your record.
In Illinois, a police officer cannot force you to take field sobriety tests.
It is your right to refuse to take any tests that you do not wish to accept. A refusal of tests, however, can still lead to your arrest and to your license being suspended.
In Illinois, a police officer cannot force you to take a breathalyzer test. It is your right to refuse to take any tests that you do not wish to accept. A refusal of tests, however, can still lead to your arrest and to your license being suspended.
In Illinois, police officers are not required to video and/or audio record your investigation. Some police departments have video and audio recording devices. If however, your arrest is being recorded, the police officers and prosecution are required to give you a copy of the recording.
When facing DUI charges in Cook County, experience matters. Ktenas Law brings years of successful DUI defense to your case. We understand local laws, court procedures, and effective defense strategies. Don't settle for less when your future is at stake – choose the experience and aggressive representation of our criminal defense attorneys.
Don’t leave your future to chance—contact us today at 312-800-1626 to schedule an initial free consultation and start defending your rights.
