DUI in Illinois

We understand that a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge is overwhelming. For many people, it is the first time they have ever been arrested. Many charged with a DUI offense do not know whether or not to submit to Field Sobriety Tests (FST’s) and a breathalyzer test. Most do not know that a refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test will result in an automatic six-month suspension of their driver's license.

DUI is a serious criminal traffic offense in Illinois. Even for a first-time DUI offense, for which you may receive Court Supervision, you may face a 90 day suspension of your license, will be subjected to a fine not to exceed $2,500 fine, plus court costs, and must undergo an alcohol abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations of that evaluation. DUI penalties increase for those with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) double the .08 legal limit, and for repeat offenders. Insurance rates also increase.

DUI can have a significant impact on your life and family.  Any individual charged with this offense should seriously consider retaining the services of an experienced DUI lawyer.  As a result of legislation in the 1990’s through the present, DUI laws have become more and more complex. In fact, the laws are constantly changing.

The penalties for DUI offenses have become more harsh and expensive, specifically those DUI offenses occurring under particular circumstances, i.e., for example, a situation in which a driver is transporting a child under the age of 16. Under Illinois DUI law, even "sleeping it off" in an automobile may be considered driving under the influence.  In Illinois, a DUI can be either a Misdemeanor or Felony charge, depending on the particular circumstances of your case - it is a complex issue requiring the services of an experienced DUI lawyer.

DUI conviction can result in serious consequences:

1) Your license will be revoked (a permanent loss of privileges until you proceed to hearing and prevail before the Secretary of State of Illinois);

2) You will incur significant fines, and court costs;

3) You will be placed on Conditional Discharge (a form of non-reporting “Probation”) or a period of Probation up to 2 years;

4) You may serve jail time;

5) You will be required to undergo an alcohol abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations of the evaluation, including any aftercare; and

6) You will have a conviction for DUI in your driver’s history, which cannot be expunged.

Other factors that may enhance DUI charges and increase penalties may include, but are not limited to:

• Committing the offense of DUI while child, under the age of 16, in vehicle. (Possible Child Endangerment charge, as well)

• Committing the offense DUI while driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

• Committing the offense of DUI and causing personal injury or death.

To be clear, the sentence for a DUI conviction depends upon several factors. For example, prior DUI convictions, whether or not you are currently on Supervision, Conditional Discharge or Probation for another offense, and whether or not you were involved in an accident, are factors the prosecutor and Court will consider in imposing a sentence for a DUI conviction.

Everyone charged with a DUI offense deserves a strong defense at an affordable price. If you have been arrested for an alcohol-related offense and face such harsh penalties, it is very important that an experienced DUI defense attorney represents you. Retaining a DUI defense attorney based on fees alone is a mistake. DUI lawyers who request low fees are likely to do little work. The difference between a conviction and a favorable outcome may be determined by the quality of your legal representation.

There is an excellent chance that we can help you with your case. You may have a defense, such as insufficient evidence to prove your guilt, an illegal traffic stop, or improper testing. David B. Franks aggressively defends those accused of DUI and all traffic offenses. We have represented women and men from McHenry County, Lake County, Boone County and DeKalb County. We provide a high level of legal defense at reasonable cost.  As your DUI Lawyer, we will provide you legal representation at all stages of a DUI defense: litigating the statutory summary suspension of your driver's licenses, preparing and arguing motions to suppress, obtaining driving relief, and proceeding to trial, if necessary.

Experience counts.  Results matter.

FRANKS & RECHENBERG, P.C.
1301 Pyott Road, Suite 200
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 847-854-7700
Fax: 847-854-7848

DISCLAIMER: This site contains general information that is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct, complete and up-to-date. It is not intended to be a source of legal advice. You should not rely on the information in this site and should always seek the advice of a competent lawyer.

Franks & Rechenberg, P.C. handles McHenry County DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges. Cities, towns and villages in McHenry County include: Algonquin, Barrington, Bull Valley, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox Lake, Fox River Grove, Harvard, Hebron, Holiday Hills, Huntley, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Lake in the Hills, Lakemoor, Lakewood, Marengo, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Oakwood Hills, Port Barrington, Prairie Grove, Richmond, Spring Grove, Union, Wonder Lake and Woodstock. If you were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in McHenry County call Franks & Rechenberg, P.C.

Franks & Rechenberg, P.C. handles DeKalb County DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges. Cities, towns and villages in DeKalb County include: Charter Grove, Clare, Colvin Park, Cortland, DeKalb, Elva, Esmond, Fairdale, Five Points, Genoa, Hinckley, Kingston, Kirkland, Malta, McGirr, New Lebanon, Rollo, Sandwich, Shabbona, Somonauk, Sycamore, Waterman and Wilkinson. If you were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in DeKalb County call Franks & Rechenberg, P.C.