Anyone charged with a DUI offense needs to understand the penalties they may face, as conviction can drastically change a person's life. A knowledgeable Chicago DUI lawyer can help you to understand the charges that apply to your particular case and what can be done to resolve them. The first thing to know is that when you are arrested for DUI you will face two separate avenues of prosecution. One is a statutory suspension of your license by the State of Illinois and the other is the criminal charges that you will face.
In our state, a DUI charge is most commonly a misdemeanor. It may, however, become a felony under certain circumstances and an attorney at the The Toney Law Firm, LLC can work with you to determine what charges may be filed against you.
Multiple DUI charges, DUI with a person under the age of 16 in the vehicle, DUI with injury, a reckless homicide, DUI without a valid license or permit or no insurance can all result in felony DUI charges. An attorney may be able to negotiate your charges down to a lesser offense. If you go trial, your best assurance of a positive outcome is the use of a competent attorney, able to prepare and execute a proper DUI defense.
Common penalties for a first DUI conviction may include jail time but this is not mandatory. If a person's BAC is .16% or higher, they will receive a fine of at least $500 plus 100 hours of community service. The penalties increase with the number of DUI convictions and the severity of any special conditions surrounding the DUI charge. A fourth DUI, as an example, can result in license revocation for life and 3 to 7 years in prison.
At times, DUI charges can be successfully resolved in negotiations or at trial. Attorney Sarah Toney may be able to assist you in obtaining a special permit that will allow you to drive to and from work and for specific purposes. Understanding the penalties that you may be facing, it is important that someone works on your behalf to protect your rights.
Contact a Chicago DUI Attorney when you or a loved one has been charged with any DUI offense and desire swift, competent legal assistance.