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Felony DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs endangers both the driver and other motorists, and thus, it's a serious offense under Illinois law. A first-time offender may receive court supervision and one year of driver’s license revocation. However, a misdemeanor conviction with hefty fines and jail time is also possible. Further, certain aggravating factors may mean that even a first DUI criminal offense is charged as a felony offense. If you're facing aggravated DUI charges, you need the help of an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

At Dohman Law Group, our experienced DuPage County DUI criminal defense lawyer is committed to protecting your rights regardless of the severity of the DUI charges you're facing. Contact us today at our criminal defense law firm at (847) 616-9993 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how we can help you build a strong defense. 

What's considered an Aggravated DUI In Illinois?

In Illinois, any drunk driving charge classified as a felony DUI charge is automatically considered an aggravated drunk driving charge. An aggravated DUI is serious than a misdemeanor DUI offense and carries severe consequences. Aggravated drunk driving charges vary from a Class 4 felony to a Class X felony.

A Class 4 felony is the least serious felony charge, though a conviction still carries a jail sentence of 1-3 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. Class 4 felony aggravated driving under influence charges include:

  • A first-time DUI offense while transporting a child younger than 16 in your car that resulted in personal injury to the child,
  • A second-time drunk driving offense committed while transporting a minor younger than 16 in the vehicle,
  • A DUI committed while operating a school bus with a minor inside,
  • A drunk driving charge committed while driving a car-for-hire with at least one passenger board,
  • DUI resulting in great physical injury, disfigurement, or permanent disability,
  • A drunk driving offense committed without a valid license, and
  • Driving under the influence offense committed without vehicle insurance.

A DUI conviction for a Class 3 felony offense means you'll face a maximum sentence of 2-5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. A drunk driving conviction is a Class 3 felony charge if you had a previous reckless homicide drunk driving conviction or an aggravated drunk driving conviction involving a death. Class 2 felony convictions carry a probable jail sentence of 3-7 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines. Class 2 felony charges include:

  • A second-time DUI conviction while transporting a minor younger than 16 that resulted in injury to the child,
  • A third-time DUI conviction or subsequent DUI convictions, and
  • An impaired driving charge that resulted in death.

 Class 1 felony DUI convictions carry a possible sentence of 4-15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. A fifth-time DUI conviction is a Class 1 felony offense.

felony dui

Class X felony DUI criminal offenses are the most serious felony charges and they carry a possible prison time of six to 30 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines. In Illinois, a sixth or subsequent conviction for DUI is considered a Class X felony offense.

Being charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious matter, but an aggravated DUI means you're being charged with a felony criminal charge, which carries harsher criminal consequences. At Dohman Law Group, we can help you determine the best course of legal action for defense for your DUI case. Our skilled drunk driver defense team will fight to get your DUI charges reduced, or even dropped altogether. Call our Chicago law office today at (847) 616-9993 to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Can I Respond to Aggravated DUI Charges?

If you have been arrested for a felony DUI criminal charge, the possible criminal penalties are severe, but you can hire an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney who can defend your rights and represent you in court. You should request to consult with your DUI criminal defense attorney and have them present for questioning. This will help you avoid incriminating yourself. Also, your DUI defense attorney can challenge blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results and other evidence used to prove your impairment, which may help you avoid a DUI conviction.

Further, your DUI defense lawyer can help you negotiate for a reduced sentence even if a DUI conviction is likely. It's possible to reduce your prison sentence, negotiate for periodic imprisonment, which allows you to continue to work and pursue alternative legal options such as community service, probation, and conditional discharge.

How Our Experienced DUI Criminal Defense Attorneys can Help You

As the number of DUI offenses increases, so do the potential consequences. Repeat DUI charges are charged as aggravated DUI charges. Our law firm’s goal is to reduce DUI criminal charges where possible and defend our clients at trial when necessary. Our legal team has extensive experience serving DUI offenders in Lake County, DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County, Kendall County, and throughout Illinois. Our experience provides valuable and knowledgeable help to our clients facing these serious DUI charges.

Also, our DUI defense attorneys have extensive familiarity with the calibration, accuracy, and administration of breathalyzer tests, storage of blood test samples, blood alcohol content readings, and other items that are crucial in a client’s defense. We handle many DUI charges including the following felony DUI charges:

  • Drunk driving without insurance,
  • Repeat DUI convictions,
  • DUI motor vehicle accidents involving personal injury and fatalities,
  • Fleeing and eluding a police officer,
  • Reckless homicide, and
  • Vehicular manslaughter

Our law firm also handles driver license reinstatement hearings before the Illinois Secretary of State. Severe DUI criminal offenses such as felony DUI can cause loss of driving privileges. With help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can get a restricted driving permit through the use of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). We have helped thousands of DUI offenders in DuPage County, Cook County, Kendall County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, and throughout Illinois keep their driving record clean and we can help you too. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our Chicago law offices today at (847) 616-9993, or chat with us online to learn how we can help. 

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