Chicago DWI Lawyer

Experienced Chicago DWI Attorney

If you have been charged with an offense related to drunk driving in Chicago, Cook County, or anywhere else in Illinois, it is important to have the right legal representation. The penalties for a conviction can be severe, and they can affect nearly every aspect of your life, from your ability to drive to work or provide transportation for your family members to your finances, your professional career, and even your freedom. Understanding how to defend against a conviction is not always easy, but an experienced lawyer can provide guidance in these situations and explain your options.

The qualified criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro can help you navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding drunk driving charges. With the right legal advocate on your side, you may be able to avoid severe penalties that could include jail time and large fines. We can help you build a strong defense that will allow you to resolve these matters successfully. We will examine all aspects of your case and work diligently to protect your rights while helping you determine the best ways to minimize your potential penalties.

Intoxicated Driving Charges in Illinois

The specific terminology used in drunk driving cases can vary from state to state, although nearly every state has made it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or more. People often refer to operating a vehicle after using alcohol or drugs as "driving while intoxicated," or DWI. The state of Illinois refers to this offense as "driving under the influence," or DUI. In addition to prohibiting the operation of a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol, the state's laws have also made it illegal to drive while impaired by illegal controlled substances, legal drugs such as marijuana, certain types of prescription medications, or anything else that may prevent a person from being able to operate a motor vehicle safely.

A driver may face DUI charges if they are found to be operating a vehicle while they are over the legal limit for alcohol or marijuana, if they have any illegal controlled substances in their system, or if there are other issues that have caused them to become impaired. The specific charges for DUI can vary, but most drivers who are arrested for intoxicated driving for the first or second time will face a potential Class A misdemeanor conviction.

A person will face more severe penalties if they are charged with aggravated DUI. This offense involves aggravating factors that elevate a DUI offense from a misdemeanor to a felony, and a conviction will likely result in a sentence of at least one year in jail, as well as higher fines. Aggravating factors may include driving without a valid driver's license, driving without insurance, or operating a for-hire vehicle such as a taxi or Uber while under the influence. In some of the most serious DUI cases, a person may be accused of causing an accident that resulted in injuries or death. Because a person who was intoxicated will often be presumed to be at fault for a collision, felony charges will usually apply in these situations.

Regardless of the severity of the charges, a DUI arrest is likely to cause many difficulties in a person's life. Failing a chemical test that measured a person's breath, blood, or urine for alcohol or drugs after they were arrested will result in an automatic driver's license suspension. A driver may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle to ensure that they do not have any alcohol in their system at any time when they are driving. Significant financial losses may occur due to fines, fees, court costs, and increased insurance premiums. In some cases, a person may lose their professional license, or they may face other consequences in their career or their personal life. Because of the serious nature of these issues, it is crucial for those who are facing DUI charges to be represented by an experienced attorney.

Contact Our Cook County DUI Attorney

Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming and daunting, especially if you have been charged with DUI. The Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro can provide invaluable guidance in these situations, helping you understand how you can protect your rights and reduce or eliminate your potential penalties. Get started today by calling 312-627-9482 or contacting us online for a free consultation.