Chicago Aggravated DUI Lawyer

Attorneys for Aggravated DUI Charges in Cook County, IL

Driving while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or any other intoxicating substance is a serious offense, and a person who is convicted of DUI will face numerous penalties, including thousands of dollars in fines, the requirement to spend time in prison, and the loss of driving privileges. In certain circumstances, the factors involved in a case may lead to aggravated DUI charges, and a person may face a felony conviction. If you have been charged with an aggravated DUI in Illinois, it is important to understand the severity of these charges and your potential avenues for defense.

At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, our experienced DUI defense attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial. If you are convicted of a felony, you may be looking at a prison sentence of multiple years, the revocation of your driver's license for an extended period of time, and other penalties that can affect your life, your career, and your family relationships. With so much at stake, having a dedicated legal advocate on your side is essential in order to secure the best possible outcome to your case.

Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases

Misdemeanors are generally considered to be less serious criminal offenses, although a conviction may result in up to a year of jail time and several thousand dollars in fines. Felonies are more serious, and they carry a sentence of at least one year in jail, as well as potential fines adding up to tens of thousands of dollars. In many cases, a first-time DUI or a second DUI conviction will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. However, there are a variety of reasons why a DUI may be prosecuted as a felony, such as:

• Third DUI and any additional DUI convictions - A third or fourth conviction for DUI is a Class 2 felony, which may result in a prison sentence of three to seven years. A fifth conviction for DUI will be a Class 1 felony with a sentence of four to 15 years. A sixth or subsequent DUI is charged as a Class X felony, and a conviction may result in between six and 30 years in prison.
• DUI in a for-hire vehicle - A person who was intoxicated while driving a taxi or working for a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft and carrying passengers may be charged with a Class 4 felony, which can lead to a sentence of one to three years.
• DUI with a child passenger - A second DUI conviction in which a driver was carrying a child younger than 16 in their vehicle may be classified as a Class 4 felony. Any DUI offense in which a driver was transporting a minor below the age of 16 in which an accident occurred that caused the child to suffer bodily harm will result in Class 2 felony charges.
• DUI resulting in bodily harm or death - A driver who caused a car accident in which someone else was injured or killed may face serious felony charges. The specific charges may vary depending on the extent of the injuries or other circumstances surrounding the crash.
• DUI without a driver's license or auto insurance - Driving with a suspended license is a serious offense on its own, but a driver who did not have a valid license and was intoxicated may be charged with a Class 4 felony. If a driver did not have liability insurance on their vehicle, they may also face Class 4 felony charges for DUI.

Contact Our Chicago Aggravated DUI Attorney

If you have been charged with aggravated DUI in Cook County, it is essential to secure legal representation from a lawyer who is experienced in these types of cases. At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, our knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can provide invaluable assistance throughout your case, helping you determine whether a dismissal or reduction of charges may be possible. We understand how serious these charges are and what is at stake, so we will do everything within our power to help you fight against a conviction. Contact us by calling 312-627-9482 to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your case.