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PGO Law Firm
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DUI Attorney In Will County

Defending Clients Who Have Been Charged With A DUI In Will, DuPage And Kane Counties

The cost of a DUI conviction in terms of fines and court costs, in addition to the cost of enrolling in court-ordered alcohol rehabilitation classes, can be staggering. There may also be a monthly cost associated with being required to install an ignition interlock device. More important is the cost to your livelihood if the DUI results in the loss of your driving privileges. This is a hardship in itself. How are you going to get to work if you are unable to drive? This is particularly difficult if your community does not have a good public transportation system. Having to rely on family and friends to get to work or school all the time can be challenging.

The importance of having an experienced and qualified Will County DUI defense lawyer cannot be overstated. Bringing someone who knows how to handle DUI cases is essential to avoiding the serious consequences of a DUI charge. At PGO Law Firm in New Lenox, I understand the complexities of Illinois DUI laws, and I am ready to provide you with skilled legal representation. I work tirelessly to ensure that you obtain the most favorable outcome in your case and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Understanding Illinois DUI Laws

In Illinois, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is .08%. It is considered illegal for anyone over the age of 21 to operate or be in physical control of a vehicle with a BAC at or above this level. Additionally, Illinois has aggravated DUI laws, making it a more serious offense for individuals driving with a BAC of .16% or higher. This offense may result in harsher penalties than a first-time offender charged with a regular DUI. While it is illegal to drink and drive at any age, individuals who are under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy. This means that if an individual is caught with even a .01% BAC, that individual can be charged with a DUI.

At PGO Law Firm, I can help defend you for the following drunk driving-related charges:

If you face charges for a DUI in the state of Illinois, seeking experienced legal representation from PGO Law Firm should be your first step.

Taking Your First DUI Charge Seriously

It’s crucial not to dismiss a first-time DUI charge. Some individuals may opt not to contest their DUI charge, believing the repercussions to be manageable without the need for legal representation. Yet the impact of a DUI conviction can be profound, even for first-time offenders. The sanctions often include substantial fines, the possibility of incarceration and an extended period of driving license suspension.

The history of a driver’s DUI convictions plays a significant role; failure to challenge an initial DUI can lead to far harsher penalties for any future offenses related to drunk driving. It’s in the best interest of individuals to vigorously defend against each DUI accusation to safeguard their current situation and their long-term well-being. If you are facing a DUI charge, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced attorney to explore your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.

Illinois First-Offense DUI Penalties

Even for first-time offenders, Illinois punishes DUIs severely, and a conviction may lead to expensive and limiting consequences that can impact your life for years to come.

A first DUI conviction can lead to the following penalties:

  • A license revocation of up to one year
  • Up to one year behind bars
  • A minimum fine of $1,000
  • If BAC was above .16%, 100 hours of community service
  • An alcohol or drug rehabilitation program
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device

Your best chance at avoiding harsh penalties or time behind bars is to work with an experienced attorney.

Subsequent DUI Convictions

You are in much more serious trouble if you are arrested and charged with a second or third DUI offense. Hiring PGO Law Firm can be the first step to escaping the severe penalties that accompany this dilemma. Schedule an appointment with PGO Law Firm, even if it is your first DUI offense.

In order to retain your driving privileges, you must receive a suspended sentence. In certain circumstances that are prescribed by statute, if the first DUI is of such a nature, the judge, in his discretion, can prohibit a first offender from receiving a suspended sentence and, instead, issue a conviction. If that happens, your driving privileges will be revoked.

Is A DUI A Felony In Illinois?

In Illinois, a DUI charge can either be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. If it is your first offense and you were driving without any aggravating factors, you will usually be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. However, if you are found to have been driving under the influence with certain aggravating factors, such as transporting a child under 16 years old or being involved in an accident involving bodily harm or death, you could face felony charges and much harsher penalties.

Furthermore, a third or subsequent DUI offense will be charged as a felony. If you are facing a felony DUI charge in Illinois, a conviction can result in prison time, fines worth tens of thousands of dollars and a permanent criminal record that could haunt you for the rest of your life. Let me protect your rights and freedom inside and outside the courtroom.

Defenses Against DUI In Illinois

In Illinois, facing DUI charges can be a daunting experience, but individuals have the right to mount a defense and challenge the accusations. There are multiple legal defenses that may be employed to contest DUI charges:

  • Improper stop or arrest: If law enforcement lacks reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle or probable cause to make an arrest, it may be grounds for challenging the charges.
  • Field sobriety tests inaccuracy: Field sobriety tests, often subjective in nature, may be challenged based on factors such as weather conditions, physical impairments or procedural errors.
  • Breathalyzer calibration issues: The accuracy of breathalyzer results can be challenged if the device is not properly calibrated or maintained, potentially leading to unreliable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) readings.
  • Medical conditions: It is possible for medical conditions or prescribed medications to impact sobriety testing or cause inaccurate BAC readings, serving as a valid defense.
  • Failure to provide Miranda warnings: Miranda warnings may be inadmissible in court if law enforcement does not provide them during an arrest.
  • Rising BAC defense: A rising blood alcohol concentration defense argues that the BAC was below the legal limit at the time of driving but had increased after being stopped by law enforcement.

Navigating DUI defenses in Illinois requires a thorough understanding of the specific circumstances surrounding the arrest. Consulting with an experienced Will County DUI defense attorney can help individuals explore the most effective defense strategies tailored to their case.

Helping You With Illinois Statutory Summary Suspensions

If you face an Illinois statutory summary suspension, PGO Law Firm is here to support you. This type of suspension is automatically enacted when a driver either fails or refuses to undergo a drug or alcohol screening.

The ramifications of a statutory summary suspension are far-reaching, potentially restricting your mobility and affecting your capacity to work or see family. I am equipped to contest such suspensions and will advocate strenuously for your rights – a level of service that may not be available through a public defender.

Contact A DUI Lawyer Today

On the surface, the penalties may seem manageable, but most people do not realize just how much they rely on their vehicles until they are legally restricted from driving them. Small tasks like going to the store or bringing your kids to school can become big headaches as you arrange rides and call in favors. Employment opportunities may become few and far between as you find that you can only do feasible work at locations within walking distance.

Contact PGO Law Firm today to get started on your defense with a DUI attorney in Will County. To schedule a free consultation at my New Lenox law office, call 630-912-5051 or fill out an online contact form to send me a message.