Dupage County DUI Lawyers

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI in Chicago, the skilled attorneys at Kostopoulos Law Group can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your legal rights. If you choose to work with our Chicago DUI attorneys we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the penalties that may be imposed.

Each year, roughly 35,000 drivers in Illinois are arrested for drunk driving related offenses. Another 300 people in the state will die at the hands of a drunk driver. The effects of a drunk driving arrest – both immediate and long-term – can be significant. In the short-term, fighting driving under the influence (“DUI”) charges isn’t cheap – Illinois estimates it will cost a first-time DUI offender approximately $16,500 between court costs, elevated insurance premiums, attorney’s fees, and other related costs. In the long-term, your ability to secure employment, loans, or housing may be compromised since DUI charges often remain on your record.

To discourage getting behind the wheel after a drink or two, Illinois imposes serious penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you have been charged with a DUI in Illinois, you may be subject to both administrative and criminal punishment.

Administrative Punishment

If you are arrested for per se intoxication – having a BAC of .08% of greater – or refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical testing your license will be suspended. You may be permitted to drive for 45 days following your arrest while you fight the charges pending against you. After those first 45 days, however, the suspension takes effect and you will not be permitted to drive. The length of the suspension depends on the reason for your arrest. If your BAC was .08% or greater, the suspension is for a term of 6 months. If you refused a breathalyzer or other testing, the suspension is for a term of 1 year. If you have been convicted of a DUI in the past and refuse a breathalyzer or other test your license will be suspended for a term of 3 years.

First time DUI offenders whose licenses have been suspended may apply for a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (“BAIID”) and restricted license if operating a vehicle is necessary.

If the circumstances surrounding your DUI arrest are extreme or dangerous, the state reserves the right to revoke your license for the duration of your trial and after it has been completed if you are convicted.

The fees involved in dealing with administrative penalties are not cheap and can rack up quickly.

Criminal Penalties

Administrative penalties may be a hassle, but criminal penalties can significantly change your life. Driving under the influence of red wine, liquor, etc, is a Class A Misdemeanor in the state of Illinois for first and second-time offenders, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or fines of up to $2,500.

If convicted of a DUI, you may also subject to penalties including:

• License revocation for 1 year (if over 21);
• License revocation for 2 years (if under 21);
• Court-mandated drug and alcohol treatment;
• Community service; and/or
• BAIID installation.

Driving under the influence may be a felony in the state of Illinois, which carry considerably more severe punishments for repeat and egregious offenders. Driving under the influence may be a Class 4 Felony, which is punishable by 1-3 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 if:

• You cause great bodily harm to another;
• You drive with children under the age of 16 in the car and cause bodily harm; or
• You drive with a revoked or suspended license.

Driving under the influence may be a Class 2 Felony, punishable by 3-7 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 if:

• It is your 3^rd or more DUI offense; or
• You cause the death of another person.