Aggravated DUI with Great Bodily Harm in Cicero, Illinois: A Serious Charge with Severe Consequences
Cicero, Illinois, located just outside Chicago, is a thriving community with a rich cultural heritage. However, with the town’s proximity to major highways and heavy traffic, DUI enforcement remains a priority for local law enforcement. Aggravated DUI with great bodily harm is one of the most severe charges you can face in Cicero, carrying steep penalties and lifelong consequences. Understanding the charge, the legal process, and how to protect your rights is crucial if you find yourself accused of this crime.
What is Aggravated DUI with Great Bodily Harm?
Driving under the influence becomes aggravated DUI when certain factors elevate the severity of the offense. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, causing great bodily harm to another person while driving impaired is a felony-level offense. Prosecutors must demonstrate that the driver’s impairment directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries.
Great bodily harm is defined as injuries that significantly impair a person’s health, require substantial medical intervention, or cause long-term disability. Even in cases where the impairment was minor, the resulting injuries can lead to enhanced charges, turning what might have been a misdemeanor DUI into a Class 4 felony or higher.
Consequences of a Conviction
A conviction for aggravated DUI with great bodily harm can lead to imprisonment, hefty fines, and the loss of driving privileges. Mandatory prison time for this offense ranges from one to 12 years, and in cases involving multiple victims, sentences can be even longer. Beyond incarceration, offenders may face:
- Substantial restitution payments to cover the victim’s medical bills and lost wages
- Permanent revocation of driving privileges in extreme cases
- A felony criminal record that impacts future opportunities
The emotional toll on victims and families can also result in civil lawsuits, further complicating the financial and legal repercussions of a conviction.
The Criminal Case Process in Illinois
When an aggravated DUI charge is filed, the case begins with an investigation at the accident scene. Law enforcement officials collect evidence, such as chemical test results and witness statements, and make an arrest if impairment is suspected. The defendant will then be formally charged and must appear in court for an arraignment to enter a plea.
The case progresses through pretrial motions, discovery, and potentially a trial. At trial, the prosecution bears the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense has the opportunity to challenge evidence, question witnesses, and present alternative explanations.
Common Defenses for Aggravated DUI Charges
Several defenses can be used to contest an aggravated DUI charge. These include challenging the validity of chemical tests, arguing procedural violations during the arrest, or questioning whether the defendant’s actions directly caused the injuries. A skilled attorney will analyze every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
The stakes in an aggravated DUI case are incredibly high. A skilled attorney can protect your rights, provide sound legal advice, and build a strong defense. The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg offers decades of experience defending clients in Cicero and throughout Illinois, ensuring that you have the best possible representation.
If you’re facing an aggravated DUI charge in Cicero, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for skilled legal assistance. With decades of experience and a commitment to protecting your rights, we offer a free consultation 24/7 at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442. We serve clients in Cicero, and throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County in Illinois. Let us help you navigate the legal system and fight for your future.