Articles Posted in DUI - Drunk Driving

When “Under 0.08%” Doesn’t Mean You’re in the Clear Many Chicago drivers believe a breath-test result below 0.08% automatically proves innocence. Unfortunately, Illinois law doesn’t see it that way. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a motorist may be arrested and prosecuted whenever an officer claims the driver was “under the influence … to a degree that renders the person incapable…

Why Court Appearance Is Still Required After a “Minor” DUI in Chicago I’ve defended clients across Chicago for decades, and one of the most common misunderstandings I hear is that if no one was hurt in a DUI-related accident, there’s no need to appear in court. Unfortunately, that assumption leads many people into far more…

Understanding How Illinois Law Protects You As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer who has defended hundreds of DUI cases, I often hear clients say, “They never read me my rights—does that mean my DUI gets thrown out?” The truth is, failing to read Miranda rights doesn’t automatically result in a dismissal, but it can have a powerful…

The Unspoken Risk for Medical Residents in Chicago Every year, thousands of newly minted doctors arrive in Chicago to begin their medical residency at hospitals like Rush, Loyola, or the University of Chicago. These residents work under immense stress, long hours, and strict oversight. Yet few realize how a single DUI arrest can threaten their…

When “Minor” Doesn’t Mean Small in the Eyes of Chicago Prosecutors A bump in traffic near Navy Pier, a scraped fender on Western Avenue, or a slight misjudgment parking in Lincoln Park—these incidents seem minor until blue lights flash. Illinois law enforcement treats any collision combined with suspected intoxication as proof of impaired driving. In Chicago,…

Why a Second Arrest in Chicago Can Change Everything Chicago’s streets see countless arrests each year for driving under the influence. For someone already serving probation, another arrest doesn’t just threaten a new criminal record—it endangers the freedom you already earned. Being on probation means the court has trusted you to comply with strict conditions…

Insight From a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer As a Chicago DUI defense lawyer, I have seen how a single mistake—often a brief lapse in judgment—can lead to a felony charge that follows a person for life. Aggravated DUI cases in Illinois are among the most serious traffic-related offenses prosecuted in the Cook County court system.…

Here is Article 2 (≈1,500 words) — a completely original version written differently from Article 1 and the main practice page, while maintaining full compliance with your legal, stylistic, and SEO directions. When a DUI Becomes a Felony in Illinois: Understanding Aggravated DUI Charges in Chicago Felony DUI in the Context of Chicago and Illinois Criminal Law…

In a city as large and fast-moving as Chicago, even one moment of distraction can lead to tragedy. When alcohol or drugs are suspected in a fatal car crash, police and prosecutors often move quickly—and aggressively. What may have been a tragic accident can turn into an accusation of Aggravated DUI Causing Death, a felony that…

Understanding the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and an Aggravated DUI in Chicago Across Chicago and throughout Illinois, prosecutors treat drunk-driving cases with increasing severity. While a first or second DUI is usually classified as a Class A misdemeanor, an aggravated DUI is considered a felony offense under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d). The difference carries life-changing implications. A misdemeanor DUI may involve fines,…