Best DUI Lawyers in Chicago

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chicago, Illinois?

  3-1-1 is the non-emergency dispatch line of the local police station in Chicago.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Chicago, Illinois?

  To obtain a copy of a police report for incidents related to your case in Chicago, Illinois, you can initiate the process in person at Central Police Headquarters, located at 3510 S. Michigan, 1st Floor, Room 1043, or by mail addressed to the Chicago Police Department, Records Inquiry and Customer Service Section, Unit 163, 3510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653.

• How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer in Chicago?

  The expenses associated with hiring a DUI lawyer in Chicago are subject to fluctuation based on a variety of factors, including the attorney's level of expertise, the intricacy of the case, and the amount of time needed to plan and present a defense. Nonetheless, a trustworthy DUI lawyer generally quotes a fee ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for a DUI case. Some lawyers may publicize lower costs in the range of $500 to $1,500, but it's crucial to assess the caliber of legal representation being offered.

• What are the penalties for a DUI conviction in Chicago?

  The repercussions of being found guilty of a DUI charge in Chicago can be severe, with a range of criminal penalties imposed. These consequences may include imprisonment, the revocation of driving privileges, and financial difficulty due to various costs such as fines, court expenses, and counseling fees. Additionally, the installation and monitoring of an ignition interlock device, permit and reinstatement fees, and higher insurance premiums may be required.

• Can a DUI be expunged in Chicago?

  In Chicago, it is not possible to expunge or seal a DUI unless the case is dismissed or the defendant receives a not guilty verdict. Upon being arrested for a DUI, a record of the arrest is created and stored in the FBI's national database. This record persists even if the defendant is later found not guilty or if the case is dismissed. However, if the charge is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty, the entire DUI case may be expunged.

• Is it possible to drive while under suspension in Chicago?

  Yes. In Chicago, first-time DUI offenders can apply for a Monitoring Device Driver's Permit to drive during the suspension period, provided they meet certain requirements. These include not having received a previous statutory summary suspension within the last five years and not having been convicted of DUI or assigned court supervision for DUI in Illinois or another state within the last five years. The Secretary of State may deny an MDDP if specific conditions are met, such as an invalid license or the occurrence of death or significant bodily harm.

• What are the possible defenses for a Chicago DUI charge?

  In Chicago, one may defend against a DUI charge by questioning the accuracy of sobriety testing, rising blood alcohol, location of arrest, or police officer's inconsistent testimony. An experienced DUI defense attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the case to determine which of these defenses may be the most effective. Additionally, constitutional defenses, challenging the initial stop, or police failure to inform the accused of Miranda rights may be used. By utilizing these defenses, a defendant may improve their chances of receiving a favorable outcome in their DUI case.

• What does a DUI charge involve?

  DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.

• What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?

  The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).

• How long does a DUI stay on your record?

  In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.

• How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

  The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.

• How do I choose a DUI attorney?

  Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:

  • Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
  • Ask for referrals from family and friends
  • Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
  • Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
  • Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
  • Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable

• What happens when you get a DUI?

  Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.

  Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.

• Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?

  While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.

• How much does a DUI cost?

  DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.

• When does a DUI become a felony?

  Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:

  • It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
  • The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
  • The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.

• How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?

  Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.