Facing DUI charges in Wicker Park can be an intimidating experience, especially if it’s your first encounter with the legal system. Understanding how DUI laws work in Illinois and the potential consequences you may face is the first step in preparing a defense. Our Wicker Park DUI lawyer, David Freidberg, has extensive experience in defending clients in Wicker Park and throughout Chicago, offering the legal guidance needed to fight DUI charges effectively.
Illinois DUI Laws Explained
The state of Illinois has strict DUI laws, as outlined in 625 ILCS 5/11-501. You can be charged with DUI if your BAC is 0.08% or higher or if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle. Even prescription medications can lead to a DUI charge if they impair your ability to drive safely.
- First-Time Offense: A first DUI is a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time of up to 364 days, fines of up to $2,500, and a mandatory license suspension for six months. Additionally, offenders may need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) to regain driving privileges.
- Second Offense: If you’re charged with a second DUI, penalties increase, including longer jail time, higher fines, and a one-year suspension of your license. The IID requirement becomes mandatory once driving privileges are restored.
- Third Offense: A third DUI is treated as a Class 2 felony, with potential imprisonment of 3-7 years, fines up to $25,000, and a ten-year revocation of driving privileges.
Aggravated DUI offenses, such as those involving accidents, injuries, or driving with a minor in the car, carry even stiffer penalties.
How DUI Cases Are Prosecuted
The prosecution will use various forms of evidence to build its case against you, including:
- Breathalyzer Results: While breathalyzer tests provide BAC readings, they’re not always accurate. An experienced DUI defense attorney can challenge the reliability of these results, especially if there were calibration or administration errors.
- Field Sobriety Test Results: These tests can be subjective, and factors like anxiety, fatigue, or medical conditions can impact your performance.
- Officer Testimony: The arresting officer’s observations will be a critical part of the case, but inconsistencies or procedural errors can weaken the prosecution’s case.
Defending Against DUI Charges
A DUI defense attorney can employ various strategies to challenge the charges against you. Common defenses include questioning the legality of the traffic stop, disputing the accuracy of chemical tests, and highlighting any procedural errors made by law enforcement.
Without an attorney, you may face maximum penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced DUI defense lawyer, such as David L. Freidberg, can negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of the case.
Contact Us For Your Free Consultation
If you are facing DUI charges in Wicker Park, Chicago, Illinois, don’t face it alone. Contact The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for skilled legal assistance. Contact The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for skilled legal assistance. We offer a free consultation when you call us at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442. Our firm serves clients in Wicker Park and around Chicago, including Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County. Let us help you fight for your future.