Articles Posted in DUI

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Understanding DUI Leaving the Scene of an Accident Charges in DuPage County

In DuPage County, Illinois, drivers arrested for DUI leaving the scene of an accident face serious legal consequences. The cities of Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, and other communities within the county are known for their strict enforcement of DUI laws, and any accident involving a driver who leaves the scene will be thoroughly investigated.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a separate offense from Driving Under the Influence (DUI), but when both charges are filed together, the penalties are significantly more severe. Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-401 and 625 ILCS 5/11-501), drivers are legally required to stop, render aid, and exchange information after an accident. If alcohol or drugs are involved, the situation becomes even more complicated, as prosecutors will argue that the driver fled to avoid a DUI arrest.

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What to Do If You Are Accused of a DUI Pedestrian Hit-and-Run in Illinois

If you fled the scene of an accident while under the influence, your first step should be contacting a DUI defense attorney immediately. Law enforcement will aggressively investigate the case, and waiting too long to secure legal representation can be detrimental to your defense.

An attorney can:

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Understanding DUI Arrests Based on Officer Observations

Many people assume that a DUI arrest in Illinois only happens if a driver fails a breathalyzer test. However, this is far from the truth. Illinois law allows police officers to arrest individuals for DUI based solely on their observations of impairment—even if the driver has not failed or even taken a breathalyzer test.

A driver can be charged with DUI under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 if an officer believes they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. This means that even if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is below the legal limit of 0.08%, or if you refuse testing altogether, you can still be arrested and prosecuted for DUI.

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Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Illinois is a serious offense, but when combined with a DUI charge, the consequences become even more severe. A DUI while driving on a suspended or revoked license can result in felony charges, mandatory jail time, substantial fines, and an extended license revocation period.

If convicted, you may face a permanent loss of driving privileges, making it nearly impossible to reinstate your license. Additionally, because Illinois courts and prosecutors take repeat DUI and driving violations seriously, judges impose harsher penalties for these offenses.

At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we understand that many people facing DUI while driving on a suspended or revoked license charges did not intentionally break the law but are caught in a difficult legal situation. Whether your suspension was due to a prior DUI, unpaid fines, or a clerical error, you need a skilled DUI defense attorney to fight these charges and protect your future.

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For commercial drivers in Illinois, a DUI arrest is more than just a legal issue—it can be a career-ending event. Unlike regular driver’s licenses, CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holders are held to stricter legal standards under Illinois law. Even a first-time DUI can result in a one-year disqualification, and a second offense can lead to a lifetime revocation.

If you are a CDL holder charged with a DUI, you need to act fast. The penalties for a DUI conviction extend beyond losing your commercial driving privileges. A DUI on your record can damage your employment opportunities, increase insurance costs, and make it difficult to find future driving jobs. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we aggressively defend CDL drivers facing DUI charges and fight to protect their license, livelihood, and future.

Illinois CDL DUI Laws and Legal Limits

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DuPage County, Illinois, has some of the strictest DUI laws in the state, and a DUI hit-and-run offense is among the most serious traffic-related crimes. Cities such as Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, and Elmhurst have law enforcement agencies that aggressively pursue drivers who flee the scene of an accident. When alcohol or drugs are involved, prosecutors will seek enhanced penalties, including felony charges, long-term license revocation, and mandatory prison time.

Illinois law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop, provide their information, and render aid if necessary. However, individuals who panic and leave the scene—especially if impaired—face significantly harsher penalties than those who remain. Whether the accident involved property damage, injuries, or a fatality, a DUI hit-and-run charge can have life-altering consequences.

If you are accused of a DUI hit-and-run in DuPage County, securing a strong legal defense is essential. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we provide aggressive representation for individuals facing these serious charges. Our firm fights to protect your rights and minimize the legal consequences of your case.

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DuPage County has some of the toughest DUI laws in Illinois, particularly when a crash results in a fatality. Cities like Naperville, Wheaton, and Elmhurst have dedicated DUI enforcement teams that aggressively pursue intoxicated drivers. When law enforcement alleges that alcohol or drugs played a role in a deadly accident, the driver faces severe legal consequences, including felony charges, mandatory prison time, and lifelong consequences.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d)(1)(F), a driver accused of causing a fatal crash while under the influence is charged with Aggravated DUI Resulting in Death, commonly known as DUI manslaughter. This is a Class 2 felony, carrying a mandatory 3 to 14-year prison sentence per fatality. If multiple people die in the accident, the sentence can be extended up to 28 years. Unlike other DUI offenses, DUI manslaughter does not allow for court supervision, and probation is only granted under extraordinary circumstances.

Illinois has strict DUI laws, and even a BAC below 0.08% can lead to charges if impairment is suspected. Additionally, driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription medication, or illegal drugs qualifies as DUI under Illinois law. The legal consequences are severe, and the accused needs an aggressive legal defense to challenge the evidence and fight for their future.

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Fighting DUI Charges for Over-the-Counter Medications in DuPage County, Illinois

Many drivers in DuPage County are surprised to learn that over-the-counter (OTC) medications can result in a DUI arrest just like alcohol or illegal drugs. Illinois law treats all forms of impairment the same, meaning a person can be charged under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 if an officer believes their ability to drive has been affected by cough medicine, allergy relief pills, pain relievers, or sleep aids.

In cities like Wheaton, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Downers Grove, law enforcement officers are trained to detect signs of impairment. If a driver appears drowsy, slow to react, or unable to maintain control of their vehicle, a traffic stop may quickly escalate into field sobriety testing, chemical testing, and ultimately an arrest.

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Fighting Codeine-Related DUI Charges in DuPage County, Illinois

Illinois has strict drug-impaired driving laws, and drivers caught operating a vehicle under the influence of codeine cough syrup may face serious legal consequences. While many people associate DUI charges with alcohol, Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 includes controlled substances, prescription medications, and even over-the-counter drugs that impair driving abilities.

DuPage County has some of the most strict DUI enforcement policies in the state. Law enforcement in cities like Naperville, Wheaton, and Elmhurst frequently conduct roadside stops and DUI checkpoints to identify impaired drivers. Those who take prescription cough medicine containing codeine may unknowingly put themselves at risk of being charged with a drug-related DUI.

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DuPage County, home to cities such as Naperville, Wheaton, and Elmhurst, is known for its strict enforcement of DUI laws. While most people associate driving under the influence (DUI) with alcohol, Illinois law also makes it illegal to drive while impaired by prescription or over-the-counter medication. Many commonly used medications, including sleep aids, anxiety medications, and pain relievers, can affect reaction times, coordination, and cognitive function.

Law enforcement officers in DuPage County routinely stop drivers they suspect of being impaired, and those under the influence of legally prescribed medication are often charged with DUI. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a driver can be found guilty of DUI if they are impaired by any substance that affects their ability to drive safely. Even if a medication is prescribed and used according to a doctor’s instructions, a driver can still face serious criminal charges.

A conviction for driving under the influence of medication can lead to jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. The penalties can be even more severe if the alleged offense involved an accident, injuries, or prior DUI convictions. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we fight for those accused of DUI charges in DuPage County, ensuring that their rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.

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Chicago Office
70 W Madison St
#1450
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 560-7100
DuPage Office
140 Butterfield Rd
#1500
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
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#300
Skokie, IL 60077

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