Legal Question in DUI Law in Illinois

Re: What to expect when you go to court for a DUI charge

I don't assume that a person should plead guilty before I've heard the facts. Plus, I attempt to save your license from being suspended. Illinois will report this to Florida.

You do need an attorney because you are facing up to 1 year in jail, and or a $2,500.00, fine. You must appear each time the case is scheduled, which is about every 30 days. Also, as of January 1, 2006, many aspects of DUI in Illinois were made felonies. You need a lawyer who is experienced, and not one that assumes a plea of guilty without learning the facts. Please call for an appointment. I've been a criminal defense lawyer for 28 years.

Re: What to expect when you go to court for a DUI charge

For a first time offender, I would say that they get supervision for 1 year and fines in the amount of $800-900. You pay the fines at the time of sentencing or during the time the judge allows, usuaally before the supervision is over.

You cannot avoid a sentence unless you beat the case.

Illinois will report the DUI to Florida and Florida will take whatever action is necessary toward your license.

Before you can be sentenced you must complete an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation which will require a urine drop. They will report any substance to the court including masks used to conceal drugs.

If you have representation before the court date you can have the case over and all the appropriate things done to conclude the case in the initial court date. The evaluation will take weeks to get an appointment so now is better than later to get the appointment date.

I handle these cases.

Re: What to expect when you go to court for a DUI charge

Much will depend on what county you were charged in. In central Illinois, it is common for the offender to be placed on two years of court supervision, and pay $1,800 in fines and court costs.