Illinois DUI Charge – What Will It Cost Me?
Reader’s Question:
They say that even if I don’t fight my DUI case, it would still affect my finances greatly. Will it cost me too much money if I lose my DUI case here in Des Plaines, Illinois?
Alfred
Des Plaines, IL
The costs of a DUI arrest are great both emotionally and financially. It’s true that even if you don’t fight your DUI case in Des Plaines, Illinois, there would still be a big hit on your finances. But I still suggest you would because the fines and surcharges if you lose your DUI case could be unimaginable. Aside from the fines, penalties and surcharges that the court can impose on you, you might also have to pay for an ignition interlock device if the judge decides it is necessary. This device is a breathalyzer put in the steering column of your car. The vehicle would not start unless it shows that your blood alcohol content is below a certain level.
It would also cost you money if your driver’s license is taken from you when you are arrested. For 30 days, you would have a “temporary license” in which you could still legally drive. If your driver’s license is suspended by the DMV, you could apply for a temporary license, but there would be fees to pay for that too. And if you continue to drive a vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended, you would also incur additional criminal charges and all the costs involved.
Illinois DUI Case Going to Trial – How Long Will It Take?
Reader’s Question:
I just wonder how long it will take if I fight my DUI case here in Illinois. I am thinking that I just work out a deal rather than going to trial to get this over and done with. Is it true that a DUI trial could take months?
Zaire
Berwyn, IL
Yes, if you take your DUI case in Berwyn, Illinois to trial in front of either a judge or a jury, it would take you some number of months. There could be two or three court dates before a trial, which would probably be six months out. It could take a total of six months to a year for the case to be resolved for a jury trial. There is a possibility to skip preliminary motions and schedule a bench trial immediately in some circumstances. This would usually limit your DUI defense options so it does have disadvantages but it could give you a chance to resolve the case in two months or less.
If you work out a deal rather than going to trial, it would be very likely that you can have the minimum penalty available under the law. Your DUI case would be continued without a finding for one year. The judge would suspend your license for 45 days (consecutive with the six-month breath test refusal or 90-day failure suspension), and you would pay a number of fees and fines. The conditions of your probation would be that you attend and complete the alcohol education program.
What To Look For When Hiring a Illinois DUI Lawyer?
Reader’s Question:
I’m in search for a DUI lawyer who would help me in my DUI case here in Illinois and I’m thinking about starting it online. What are the things that I should remember when doing my search for DUI lawyer?
Florence
Bolingbrook, IL
Hiring a DUI lawyer to help you on your DUI case in Illinois would have the biggest impact on your DUI case and your future. Getting a DUI lawyer could be the best thing you’ll ever do so make sure that you hire the right one.
Avoid those law firm websites that talk about their team approach, but do not list any lawyer other than the owner of the law firm. If the lead lawyer in the firm is not confident enough in his lawyers to put their names and faces on the firm’s website, what does that say about the lead lawyer or firm? The more questions are raised, the better protected you will be. You also have to watch out for those lawyers who advertise that they will beat any other law firm’s rate because I’m sure, you don’t want a lawyer or firm who will bargain for your business because that means they are willing to take any case. If that is acceptable with you, you must your expectations accordingly. But I strongly suggest that don’t trust your case to the lowest bidder
Possible Illinois DUI Defenses?
Reader’s Question:
My cousin is thinking about getting a DUI lawyer to help him on his DUI charge in Illinois. What are the possible defenses that he can use on his DUI case?
Floyd
Skokie, IL
There are a lot of challenges and defenses that your cousin could use on his DUI case in Illinois. So let’s start with the challenges to the DUI stop. First of all, he can use as a defense that the officer didn’t have a valid reason to pull your cousin over or no police officer actually saw your cousin driving. Another defense is with regard to the challenges on probable cause to arrest your cousin if the officer didn’t have enough reason to arrest and if the officer didn’t use proper technique and graded him unfairly.
Next are the motions to suppress evidence like if the Miranda Fifth Amendment rights were violated and if your cousin was not warned of his implied consent rights. Evidence can also be suppressed if the police officer searched the vehicle illegally and coerced your cousin into performing field sobriety tests. The police officer could have manufactured the evidence and a good DUI lawyer can definitely find out about it.
Chicago Illinois DUI Lawyer -Or Free Public Defender?
Reader’s Question:
I was charged with DUI in Chicago, Illinois and I was advised that I should get a DUI lawyer. But why would I get a DUI lawyer that I need to pay when I can get a Public Defender for free?
Finley
Chicago, IL
By the very nature of Chicago, Illinois Public Defenders, they tend to juggle numerous cases across a broad spectrum of crimes. They might not be prepared for all technicalities, scientific aspects and delicate intricacies regarding complications of a DUI case. You also need to prove impoverishment for you to qualify for the services of a Public Defender, who will be assigned to a specific courtroom to manage all of the cases that day for the impoverished defendants who did not retain a lawyer to represent them in court.
Your DUI case would just be one of many. Hiring a private DUI lawyer who devotes his or her entire practice in defending DUI cases will provide you with the most experienced and qualified legal defense when you are facing the serious implications of drunk driving charges. A Specialized DUI lawyer would not allow you to plead guilty, rather, will thoroughly investigate your case and he or she would be in the courtroom for the sole purpose of defending you.
Illinois Blood Alcohol Test – Do You Refuse?
Reader’s Question:
I have heard from someone that Kane County, Illinois is implementing a no-refusal weekend with regard to blood alcohol testing for people suspected of driving under the influence. What that this mean and how helpful would this be in the prevention of DUI?
Lucy
Elgin, IL
Kane County, Illinois officials say that people suspected of driving under the influence will only have the choice to either voluntarily have their blood alcohol content measured by urine, blood or breath test or they will have their blood drawn involuntarily.
The Kane County’s State’s Attorney recently announced the No Refusal Weekend but did not answer questions about what weekend the forced blood draws will occur. Search warrants have been written in advance in preparation for No Refusal weekend. Police officers would only have to fill in specific details in each DUI case and have an assistant state’s attorney review it before it is signed by a judge. The Kane County Health Department would supply phlebotomists to do the blood draws.
Officials are also optimistic that when faced with an order for an involuntary blood draw, most DUI suspects would agree to take a breath test instead and that more DUI suspects would take plea deals rather than go to trial.
Illinois DUI Help
Reader’s Question:
My sister has just been charged with DUI here in Illinois. I have heard so many things about DUI such as all people accused of DUI are guilty, DUI is a minor offense, that any lawyer can defend a person charged with DUI, DUI cases cannot win and that a DUI case is similar to any other case? Which of these things about DUI are true?
Lindsay
Arlington Heights, IL
There many myths surrounding DUI cases at present. If you want your sister to increase her chances of winning her DUI case in Arlington Heights, Illinois, don’t believe in any of these things. It is not true that all people accused of DUI are guilty. It should always be remembered that a person is “innocent until proven guilty.”
It is also definitely not true that DUI is just a minor offense. DUI is a criminal offense that can escalate into a bigger crime, especially when injury or death is the result of an act. DUI can even send the offender to jail.
Regarding what you heard that any lawyer can defend a person charged with DUI, this is actually always not the case. There are many lawyers who specialize in DUI case. They can help your sister better than other lawyers who are just general practitioners of law.
It is also not true that DUI cases cannot win. Please, don’t ever believe this. A good Illinois DUI lawyer can help your sister win her DUI case, provided there is enough evidence to defend her. The last thing that you mentioned that a DUI case is similar to any other case is also not true. A DUI case is being surrounded by different circumstance and requires different types of evidence. The outcome of the case cannot be predicted but a good DUI lawyer can increase your sister’s chances of winning.
DUI Breath Test Refusal in Illinois Traffic Stop
Reader’s Question:
I was charged with DUI here in Illinois two days ago. I refused to take any blood alcohol test. I was advised by a friend about the 10-day rule before they could even suspend my license. What happens if I am unable to do this?
Lisa
Chicago, IL
Thanks for asking, Lisa.
In the state of Illinois, if the driver refused to a blood alcohol test, or if submitted and have a breathalyzer result of 0.08 or higher for age 21 or more, .04 or higher if driving a commercial vehicle, or .02 or higher if under age 21, the state will attempt to suspend your license for one to five years. In most case, this attempt to take away your right to drive will occur before trial. This would be automatically entered against you unless you file an “appeal” letter within 10 business days after the date of your arrest.
You will have an administrative driver’s license suspension for one to five years before you even go to trial on your DUI offense if you don’t request a hearing. You have a fighting chance to keep driving until your DUI case comes to court if you were able to request the hearing.
I Need a DUI Attorney in Chicago Illinois
Reader’s Question:
I was convicted for DUI and I just want to know if I need to get a DUI lawyer at this point. I live in Chicago Illinois.
Harry
Thank you for asking Harry.
Having an understanding Illinois DUI law and courtroom proceedings can be a challenge. Hiring a qualified Illinois DUI attorney or lawyer in Chicago who’s practice concentrates on drunk driving defense can make a difference in the outcome of your DUI charge. For a Chicago Illinois DUI lawyer or attorney, you can check some online for websites to get the best lawyer in your specific case and an Illinois DUI attorney that really knows drunk driving defense and the Illinois DUI law.
Each Chicago Illinois DUI Lawyer at offers an initial review of your drunk driving charge. Your inquiry online is free and confidential. But I suggest that you do it as soon as possible, as time is very critical in a DUI case.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Loading ...