Multiple DUI Attorney in Cook County

Facing A Second Or Multiple DUIs? Call Our Chicago Lawyers

A second or multiple DUI charges can feel very different from a first offense. The stakes are higher, the penalties under Illinois law are tougher, and judges in the Circuit Court of Cook County often look more closely at your history. It is normal to worry about jail, losing your license, and what this means for your future.

At The Toney Law Firm, LLC, we focus our practice on criminal defense and DUI defense in Chicago and throughout this county. Our attorneys understand how repeat DUI cases move through Cook County courts and how quickly they can affect your driving privileges with the Illinois Secretary of State. We work to guide you through every step so you are not trying to figure it out alone.

Our team approach and leadership by Attorney Sarah Toney, who also teaches as a professor, gives our clients the benefit of both courtroom experience and up-to-date legal thinking. If you are searching for a multiple DUI attorney in Cook County after a recent arrest, we are prepared to talk with you about your options.

Don't let a repeat charge take away your freedom. Contact a multiple DUI attorney in Cook County at (888) 473-4058 or reach out online for your free consultation. See why our firm is highly recommended for complex DUI defense.

Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in Illinois

Illinois DUI laws under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 are designed to be progressively punitive. Because there is no time limit on prior offenses, any previous DUI—even if it resulted in court supervision and was technically not a "conviction"—counts toward your current charge's status.

Second Offense DUI

A second DUI is typically a Class A misdemeanor. However, unlike a first offense, it carries mandatory minimum penalties that the court cannot waive. For a second DUI, Illinois law mandates either 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service. If the second offense occurs within 20 years of the first, the administrative consequences for your driver’s license become significantly more severe.

Third Offense DUI (Aggravated DUI)

In Illinois, a third DUI is automatically elevated to a Class 2 felony, legally referred to as an aggravated DUI. This is a major turning point in the legal process where the threat of state prison becomes a reality. For a third DUI, you face a potential 3 to 7 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail or 480 hours of community service if probation is allowed. The prosecution no longer treats the case as a traffic matter but as a serious criminal offense.

Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Offenses

The penalties continue to escalate with each subsequent arrest:

• Fourth DUI: A Class 2 felony with a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail or 480 hours of community service if probation is granted.
• Fifth DUI: A Class 1 felony, which is non-probationable in many circumstances, carrying a prison range of 4 to 15 years.
• Sixth DUI: A Class X felony, the most serious category in Illinois, punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison.

Why People With Prior DUIs Choose Us

People who already have a DUI on their record often know that a second or later arrest is a serious problem. What they may not know is that not every law firm regularly handles repeat DUI cases in the Circuit Court of Cook County. These cases are more complex, involve stricter sentencing ranges, and require careful attention to both criminal court and driver’s license issues.

At The Toney Law Firm, LLC, we have built a practice around criminal and DUI defense in Chicago. Our attorneys work as a team on serious cases so that more than one set of eyes reviews the stop, the testing, the prior record, and the options. For someone looking for a 2nd DUI lawyer in Cook County, that team structure can be especially important when the margin for error is smaller.

Attorney Sarah Toney leads our firm and also serves as a professor, teaching future lawyers about criminal and DUI law. That academic role keeps her engaged with changes in Illinois law and legal strategies, which benefits our clients when we stand in front of judges and prosecutors in this county. Recognition from legal associations reflects the respect our attorneys have earned in the legal community.

How Our Team Defends Multiple DUI Cases

When you come to us with a second or multiple DUI charge, our goal is to replace uncertainty with a clear plan. We start by listening to what happened, reviewing the police reports, and looking closely at how and why you were stopped. Traffic stops and roadside investigations must follow certain rules, and problems with those procedures can sometimes become important issues in your defense.

We then examine how any field sobriety tests and breath or blood tests were administered. Mistakes in instructions, medical conditions, equipment maintenance, or documentation can affect how reliable those test results are. Our attorneys pay attention to these details because repeat DUI cases often leave less room for error, and any legal or factual issue can matter.

Another key step is understanding your full record. We review prior DUI cases, as well as other relevant convictions, to consider how they may affect current charges, sentencing ranges, and license consequences. This helps us give you real information about what the court could do and what options might exist in negotiations or at sentencing.

When we take on a second or multiple DUI case, our work often includes:

• Reviewing the traffic stop, arrest, and testing procedures for legal or factual issues
• Analyzing your prior DUI and criminal history to understand penalties and options
• Advising you about driver’s license consequences and possible paths to driving relief
• Preparing you for court appearances and helping you understand each step
• Presenting your background, treatment efforts, and progress to the court

Every case is different, and we cannot promise a specific outcome. What we can do is bring our team’s experience in DUI defense, our knowledge of Cook County courts, and our commitment to careful preparation to your situation. If you are searching for a multiple DUI attorney in Cook County because you know your case is serious, we are ready to discuss how we can help.

What To Do After A 2nd DUI Arrest

The hours and days after a second DUI arrest often feel chaotic. You may have been released from a Chicago police station or a suburban department with paperwork you have not had time to read. The decisions you make now can affect both your criminal case and your driver’s license.

If you have been arrested for a second DUI, some helpful steps include:

• Reading your bond and suspension paperwork and keeping it together in a safe place
• Avoiding social media posts or detailed conversations about the incident
• Writing down your own memory of what happened while it is still fresh
• Gathering information about work, treatment, and family responsibilities that may matter later
• Contacting a 2nd DUI lawyer in Cook County as soon as possible to review your situation

When you reach out to our firm, we can talk through your paperwork, explain how statutory summary suspensions work with the Illinois Secretary of State, and discuss what to expect at your first court date. Taking these steps early can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

Talk To Our Multiple DUI Lawyer in Cook County Today

Being charged with a second or multiple DUIs can bring fear, embarrassment, and a sense that your options are shrinking. You do not have to face Cook County courts and the Illinois license system by yourself. Our attorneys handle DUI and criminal defense cases in Chicago and throughout this county, and we are prepared to review your case and talk about a strategy.

When you contact The Toney Law Firm, LLC, you can expect a straightforward conversation about where your case stands, what penalties may apply, and what steps we can take together. We know that people with prior DUIs often feel judged, so we focus on listening, explaining, and planning, not criticizing. Our goal is to protect your rights and work for the best result we can under your specific circumstances.

To speak with our multiple DUI attorneys in Cook County about your second or multiple DUI, call (888) 473-4058 or reach out online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For A 2nd DUI?

Jail is a real possibility for a second DUI, but it is not automatic in every case. Sentences depend on your record, the facts of the arrest, and how the judge views your situation. Our attorneys work to present your background and progress to seek the best outcome available.

Can I Keep My License After A Repeat DUI?

Your license is at significant risk after a repeat DUI. The Illinois Secretary of State generally imposes longer suspensions or revocations when there are prior convictions. We help you understand what applies in your case and discuss possible steps toward driving relief when the law allows.

Does My Old DUI Automatically Make This Case Hopeless?

A prior DUI makes the situation more serious, but it does not mean your current case is hopeless. The strength of the new evidence, legal issues with the stop or testing, and your efforts toward treatment can still matter. We evaluate all of these factors when planning your defense.

How Will Your Attorneys Communicate With Me About My Case?

We work to keep communication clear and consistent. Our team explains each stage of the process, prepares you for court dates, and answers your questions along the way. Because we use a team approach, you have access to attorneys who know your file and are focused on your case.

How Soon Should I Contact A 2nd DUI Lawyer?

It is usually best to contact a 2nd DUI attorney in Cook County as soon as you can after an arrest. There are deadlines related to statutory summary suspensions and early court appearances in Cook County. Reaching out quickly gives us more time to review your case and prepare.

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