Legal Question in DUI Law in Illinois

Re: Arrested for DUI

You need counsel. It is very important that you do so quickly, because there is likely a suspension pending on your license. In most instances a summary suspension of your license will take place within 46 days of your arrest, and the times to contest the suspension are limited. That is the first issue to address, then there is the DUI itself. That is a proceeding separate and apart from the immediate status of your license. An initial plea of guilty is not an appropriate action. Consult with counsel, then you will get a better idea of the expense related to your defense. In assessing the expense it is important to uderstand that a DUI is a Class "A" misdemeanor, with a potential sentence of up to 364 days in jail and/or fines of up to $2,500. I

Re: Arrested for DUI

You should know that DUIs are VERY difficult cases in Illinois. AND, a lot has to do with what county the case will be prosecuted in. Were you arrested in Cook (4th District?)or Du Page County. If Du Page, the matter is really complicated as MADD representatives are in court to "watch" all the time. But, in reality, there is no easy DUI case. And to complicate the fee issue further, you may have defenses that you don't realize. The bottom line is that an office consultation is absolutely necessary before any competent attorney can set a fee. You should call a lawyer IMMEDIATELY as there is much to do to prepare for your first court appearance. You should know that if you plead guilty the Illinois Secretary of State will revoke your driving privileges, and getting a Restricted Driving Permit from the Secreatry of State is, well, futile. CALL AN ATTORNEY!