Most people arrested for driving under the influence in Illinois assume they’re facing a misdemeanor. It’s a natural assumption—especially for first-time offenders. You get pulled over, maybe you fail a field sobriety test or blow slightly over the limit, and you figure the penalties will be manageable. A fine. Maybe…
Most people in Chicago assume a DUI is only a misdemeanor if it’s your first offense. While that’s often true, Illinois law allows prosecutors to file aggravated DUI charges even against first-time offenders. That means a driver with no prior record could face felony charges and prison time based on…
In Chicago, boating is a favorite pastime during warmer months. With access to Lake Michigan and numerous other waterways, residents and tourists alike take to the water to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the sun. Unfortunately, the mix of alcohol and boating—while often socially accepted—can quickly result in criminal charges. One…
It’s a warm weekend afternoon, and you’re enjoying time with friends on your boat near Chicago’s lakefront. Everything seems peaceful until you see flashing blue lights approaching from another vessel. Minutes later, you’re pulled over, questioned, and eventually arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). You weren’t speeding. You didn’t…
And What a Skilled Lawyer Can Do About It Being arrested for DUI is frightening under any circumstances. But it can feel downright surreal when you haven’t had anything to drink—and still find yourself in handcuffs. This happens more often than people realize, especially in Chicago, where officers frequently rely…
Why Every DUI Defense in Chicago Demands a Trial-Ready Attorney Being arrested for driving under the influence in Illinois is a serious matter with consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Many individuals charged with DUI in Chicago believe they’ll never see the inside of a courtroom. They’re hoping for…
A Double-Edged Sword for Your Defense If you’re facing DUI charges in Chicago, there’s a good chance the entire stop, field sobriety testing, and arrest were recorded by a police officer’s body-worn camera. While some people see body cam footage as damning, the truth is far more complicated. When reviewed…
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, your biggest concern might be avoiding jail time or fines. But one of the most immediate and damaging consequences is the suspension of your driver’s license. What many people fail to understand is that the…
Chicago DUI Arrests and the Importance of Proper Procedure Chicago is no stranger to aggressive DUI enforcement. Officers from the Chicago Police Department and state agencies routinely patrol the roads looking for any sign of impaired driving. But despite their authority, officers are bound by strict legal procedures that govern…
Police officers in Chicago and throughout Illinois are trained to identify certain behaviors and driving patterns that, in their view, may suggest that a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These signs—however minor or subjective—can form the basis for a traffic stop under Illinois law. Once that…