Winntetka DUI Attorney
Call a Winnetka DUI lawyer at (888) 754-9860 because choosing the right lawyer for your DUI charge is critical
A DUI carries severe penalties, including these for first-offenders:
Minimum jail time of 2-days
Revocation of driver’s license of up to 10-months
Fine of $390
Participation in DUI classes for 3-months
Possible installation of ignition interlock system in your car
Required purchase of costly SR-1 insurance
Court and other costs totaling thousands of dollars
Repeat offenders face longer jail sentences, license revocation periods and time attending DUI classes.
Winnetka DUI lawyers primarily represent DUI clients. They have years of litigation and investigative experience and give you the best opportunity for a satisfactory outcome. Talk to and retain a Winnetka DUI lawyer so that all proceedings in your case are professionally handled.
Overview of the DUI Process
Your first proceeding is the DMV hearing regarding revocation of your license, but it must be requested within 10-days of your arrest. Be sure a Winnetka DUI lawyer handles all of them. The DUI process involves:
DMV hearing. Winnetka DUI lawyers regularly handle these hearing. In many cases, Winnetka DUI lawyers have avoided license revocations for their clients.
Arraignment. You appear with your Winnetkta DUI lawyer to enter a not guilty plea
Discovery and investigation. Your Winnetka DUI attorney obtains information from the prosecutor and conducts a full investigation. In many cases, Winnetka DUI attorneys are able to plea bargain with prosecutors
Trial. If no plea arrangement, then your Winnetka DUI attorney is prepared to defend you at trial.
DUI Defenses
Winnetka DUI attorneys are prepared for all DUI cases and use their knowledge of the DUI laws, police practices, and science behind the breath and blood tests to look for certain defenses. In many DUI cases, a Winnetka DUI attorney will examine these issues:
Possible police misconduct
Whether your medical or physical condition may have influenced your arrest and BAC results
Validity and integrity of the breath or blood tests
Bias, inconsistencies or errors in police testimony, records and reports
No driving, drinking after driving and other defenses found by your Winnetka DUI attorney
DUI Penalties
DUI sentences vary from county to county, especially if aggravating circumstances were present. There are separate penalties for a first, second, third and felony convictions. These penalties are typically imposed:
First DUI or DWI
The usual penalties for a first DUI or DWI are:
Jail. 48 hours in jail and up to 6-months; 3-years of probation
Suspension of license. Loss of driving privileges for 4 to 10-months though you may be eligible for a restricted license; if BAC testing was refused, the suspension is one year
Fines: $390 with costs over $1,800
DUI classes: 3-months
Insurance and installation: Secure SR-22 insurance and possibly install an interlock ignition system
Second DUI or DWI
Penalties for a second DUI or DWI within 10 years of the first include:
Jail. 96 hours and up to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
Suspension of license. 2-year suspension with eligibility for restricted license unless testing was refused.
Fines: $390 to $1000 but over $10,000 in costs
DUI Classes. 18 to 30-months
Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and Interlock ignition system
Third Second DUI or DWI
Conviction of a third DUI or DWI in 10 years may include:
Jail. 120 days to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
Suspension of license. 3-years with restricted license after 12-months
Fines: $390 to $1000 and other costs up to $15,000
DUI classes. 30-months
Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and interlock system
Fourth DUI or DWI
A fourth DWI or DWI is a felony but it could be negotiated to a misdemeanor by a Winnetka DUI attorney.
If a felony, you face:
Jail. 16 months, 2 or 3 years in jail and formal probation for up to 5 years
Suspension of license: 4-years
Fines: Up to $5000 with associated costs of up to $18,000
Habitual traffic offender status. 3 years
Mandatory DUI classes. 30-months
Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and interlock system
Commercial DUI or DWI
Commercial drivers can be convicted of a commercial DUI or DWI if their BAC is 0.04%.
Penalties include:
Jail. Same as for a motorist with a Class C license for first or multiple DUI or DWI offenses
Driver’s license suspension.
Loss of commercial driver’s license for one year, regardless of the vehicle you were driving
Life-time suspension for a second conviction
Your Class C license is also affected
Fines. From $390 to $1000
DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders
Insurance and installation. Securing of SR-22 insurance and possible installation of an interlock system
Call a Winnetka DUI Attorney
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Winnetka DUI attorney today at (888) 754-9860.