The Road to Reinstatement Isn’t Automatic—Especially After a Second DUI If you’ve been convicted of a second DUI in Illinois, your driving privileges are no longer merely suspended—they are revoked. This distinction matters. A suspension has an end date. A revocation doesn’t. In Chicago and throughout Cook County, as well…
Articles Posted in DUI
First-Time DUI in Illinois: Understanding Penalties, Sentencing, and Legal Relief Options
Getting arrested for driving under the influence in Chicago can be a life-altering event, especially if it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system. The penalties for a first DUI offense in Illinois are far more severe than many expect, and the consequences extend far beyond fines and a…
What Happens When You Refuse a DUI Test in Illinois?
The Truth About Implied Consent and Your License Many drivers in Chicago believe that refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI arrest gives them an edge. Some think no test equals no case. But under Illinois law, the decision to refuse chemical testing has serious and automatic consequences—even…
Passed the Breath Test? You Can Still Be Arrested for DUI in Illinois
It’s a question we hear almost every day from people across Chicago: “How can I be arrested for DUI if I didn’t even blow over the limit?” The truth is simple—Illinois law doesn’t require a failed breath test to arrest or prosecute you for driving under the influence. At The…
How a Routine DUI in Illinois Can Suddenly Become a Felony Charge
Most people arrested for driving under the influence in Illinois assume they’re facing a misdemeanor. It’s a natural assumption—especially for first-time offenders. You get pulled over, maybe you fail a field sobriety test or blow slightly over the limit, and you figure the penalties will be manageable. A fine. Maybe…
First-Time DUI? You Could Still Be Charged With a Felony in Illinois
Most people in Chicago assume a DUI is only a misdemeanor if it’s your first offense. While that’s often true, Illinois law allows prosecutors to file aggravated DUI charges even against first-time offenders. That means a driver with no prior record could face felony charges and prison time based on…
Why BUI Arrests Happen More Often Than You Think—Even When No One Claims to Be Operating
In Chicago, boating is a favorite pastime during warmer months. With access to Lake Michigan and numerous other waterways, residents and tourists alike take to the water to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the sun. Unfortunately, the mix of alcohol and boating—while often socially accepted—can quickly result in criminal charges. One…
Understanding Law Enforcement Authority on the Water: Who Can Stop You for BUI in Illinois?
It’s a warm weekend afternoon, and you’re enjoying time with friends on your boat near Chicago’s lakefront. Everything seems peaceful until you see flashing blue lights approaching from another vessel. Minutes later, you’re pulled over, questioned, and eventually arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). You weren’t speeding. You didn’t…
How a DUI Arrest in Chicago Can Be Based on a Medical Misunderstanding
And What a Skilled Lawyer Can Do About It Being arrested for DUI is frightening under any circumstances. But it can feel downright surreal when you haven’t had anything to drink—and still find yourself in handcuffs. This happens more often than people realize, especially in Chicago, where officers frequently rely…
The Real Value of Trial Experience in Illinois DUI Cases
Why Every DUI Defense in Chicago Demands a Trial-Ready Attorney Being arrested for driving under the influence in Illinois is a serious matter with consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Many individuals charged with DUI in Chicago believe they’ll never see the inside of a courtroom. They’re hoping for…