Court supervision for a DUI is a sentencing option available to a person only once in their lifetime in Illinois. In most cases, it is the best result possible for their case other than a case dismissal or verdict of not guilty. Court supervision is available only for a misdemeanor offense and is not available for felony offenses.
If the court supervision period passes with no violations, the defendant's public record will not show an entry for the DUI charge. Following state law, the court will pass a judgment dismissing the charges if the defendant successfully complies with all of the conditions of supervision during this time.
It is important to know that court supervision is only available at the discretion of the judge and prosecutor for your case, and is not a guaranteed option for you. If you are facing DUI charges, you will want to understand all of the options available to you. Your best course of action for this will be hiring an experienced attorney with a track record in working DUI cases. They will be able to explain the different scenarios you can face (e.g. probation, jail time, fines) to help you determine your best course of action. Contact our qualified DUI lawyers at Dohman Law Group today for a free case consultation and find out how we can help you!
DUIs in Illinois can carry major consequences, and if you find yourself facing DUI charges you need to know all of the potential penalties you could face before choosing the best path forward. About 90% of DUI arrests in Illinois that are eligible to lose their driver's license end up doing so. This shows that the odds are stacked against you in your DUI case, and having the most information at your disposal can only help.
A first-time offender has one more option to consider: court supervision. This sentence can be incredibly beneficial when facing a DUI charge because it allows you to avoid jail time and, if you can meet the requirements of your supervision period, receive a non-conviction for your charge.
Court supervision is often the most desirable sentencing option for a DUI arrest. When you are sentenced to court supervision you will not have a conviction entered onto your criminal record. Remember, however, that this is only an option for a first-time DUI offense. If you have a previous conviction or have been sentenced to court supervision previously, you are no longer eligible.
The requirements assigned to you will depend on the court and the offense you are charged with.
You may be charged with a DUI in Illinois for the following:
First-time DUI offenses are considered Class A misdemeanors, although if bodily harm was caused it may be upgraded to a felony. If you are arrested and receive a guilty verdict for a DUI in Illinois you will face administrative as well as criminal penalties. Criminal penalties can include:
Administrative penalties can include:
Getting your license reinstated after a suspension can be expensive and time-consuming, and you will likely see an increase in your insurance premiums.
Be Prepared: How to Prepare For DUI Court
For starters, court supervision is the least serious punishment you can receive for your DUI charges. If you meet all of the requirements set in your sentencing, you will move forward without a DUI conviction on your record. Additionally, you will avoid the jail time you might have otherwise served, which can carry consequences in its own right.
You also will not lose your license from court supervision. This is massively beneficial as losing your license can result in you withdrawing from school, losing your job, and impact any day-to-day activities that require a car. License revocation is also an issue due to how long it can take to get your license back and how troublesome the process can be. In order to get your license back after a revocation, you will have a list of requirements to get it back, including:
Keep in mind that while there are major benefits to court supervision, there are also some negative aspects. It is also important to note that if you violate the terms of supervision, you can be sentenced to up to a year in jail.
The largest drawback for most people is that it is a one-time deal. If at any point in your life you face another DUI charge you will be ineligible for court supervision. Further consequences include:
If you violate your supervision terms you face up to a year in jail. Most judges will not be lenient in this situation as you have already been given a fairly relaxed sentence.
You should be in a better position to understand the pros and cons of court supervision, and may be considering pleading guilty and accepting the court supervision sentence. This is the time to work with an experienced DUI attorney.
A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer will help you look at all your options, explain what each will entail, and help you make the best decision for your case. When you choose an attorney be sure to find one who has experience in DUI law and cases and is able to clearly explain any concepts you don't fully understand.
Navigating your case and understanding your choices in a DUI case is a highly stressful time and it is all too easy to get overwhelmed. Understanding your choices fully, including the possible penalties you can face is essential to making the best possible decision.
If you are facing DUI criminal charges, contact a DUI lawyer at Dohman Law Group for legal advice. We will help you understand the charges brought against you, help you weigh your options, and begin building an aggressive defense strategy for your case. Call us today at 847-359-4005 or schedule an appointment online for a free case consultation.
