Articles Posted in DUI

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If you live in Chicago or anywhere in Cook County, you’ve likely seen it or done it—park the car safely, crack the window, and decide to sleep off a night of drinking. It seems like a responsible decision. But under Illinois law, that seemingly safe choice can land you in handcuffs.

DUI charges in Illinois don’t always require that you be caught driving. Under what’s known as “actual physical control,” you can be charged with a DUI even if your vehicle wasn’t moving, your engine was off, and you were just trying to sober up. It’s a harsh legal reality that many people only learn after they’ve already been arrested.

This isn’t theoretical. Our firm has represented many Chicago-area residents charged with DUI after police found them asleep in parked cars. What they thought was the right decision quickly turned into a criminal case with long-lasting consequences.

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Here’s What Really Happens

Cannabis may be legal in Illinois, but that doesn’t mean you can drive high. Law enforcement across Chicago and the state has cracked down hard on cannabis-impaired driving since legalization took effect in 2020. And make no mistake—being charged with a marijuana DUI is not a slap on the wrist. It’s a serious crime under Illinois law, and it can change the course of your life.

If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence of cannabis in Illinois, you probably have questions: Can they actually prove I was impaired? What if I used marijuana hours ago? Will I lose my license? Do I need a lawyer?

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Arrested for DUI in Illinois Without a Failed Breath Test? Here’s What You Need to Know

In Chicago, many drivers are surprised to learn that a failed breath test isn’t required to be arrested or charged with driving under the influence (DUI). You could blow under the legal limit or even decline the test entirely and still find yourself in handcuffs. This happens far more often than people think, especially in the city where aggressive DUI enforcement is the norm.

Illinois law allows for DUI arrests based on a variety of factors beyond your blood alcohol content (BAC). At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we’ve spent decades defending individuals throughout Chicago and the surrounding counties who never failed a breath test but still faced criminal DUI charges. If you’re in this position, it’s critical to understand the legal basis for these arrests and what your rights are moving forward.

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DUI arrests happen every day in Chicago, but not all cases are treated equally under Illinois law. While many first-time DUI offenses are misdemeanors, repeat arrests or certain aggravating factors can turn a DUI into a felony, dramatically increasing the penalties you face. If you’re charged with a felony DUI, your future could depend on the defense you build starting from the moment of your arrest.

Illinois DUI Law Overview

The law on DUI is set out in 625 ILCS 5/11-501. It prohibits driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired or with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. A basic DUI is typically a Class A misdemeanor. But Illinois law allows prosecutors to elevate charges to a felony if:

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Here’s What You Need to Know

Police Claims of Odor Leading to DUI Arrests

Drivers in Chicago are frequently stopped for routine traffic issues that escalate into DUI investigations. Often, the first thing an officer says is that they “smell alcohol” inside your vehicle. Many people don’t realize that this claim alone is not sufficient evidence for a DUI conviction under Illinois law, yet it frequently leads to arrests and criminal charges.

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Why DUI Cases in Chicago Are So Serious

Chicago is a city known for its nightlife, sporting events, and heavy traffic. Unfortunately, DUI arrests are a daily occurrence, and Illinois law takes impaired driving very seriously. Even a first offense can have life-altering consequences, making it crucial to have a skilled DUI defense lawyer by your side.

Illinois law, under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, defines DUI as driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. A BAC of 0.08% or higher automatically establishes impairment. However, police can charge you even below this level if they believe your ability to drive safely was compromised. A first offense is usually a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 364 days in jail, fines of up to $2,500, and license suspension. Repeat offenses or cases involving injury, minors, or fatalities become felonies, with long prison terms, heavy fines, and permanent loss of driving privileges.

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Most people are surprised to learn that you don’t need to be caught speeding, swerving, or violating any traffic rule to be arrested for DUI in Illinois. We’ve represented many clients in Chicago and surrounding counties who were approached while parked, sitting in their car outside a business, or stopped for a non-moving issue—only to find themselves facing DUI charges. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we understand exactly how these cases unfold and how to challenge them from the start.

Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 allows a person to be charged with DUI even without any indication of unlawful driving. The state simply needs to show that you were in actual physical control of the vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. But that doesn’t give police a free pass to approach and arrest anyone they choose. The law requires that they have reasonable suspicion and probable cause at every stage. And that’s often where we find a defense.

How These Arrests Happen Without a Traffic Violation

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If you’ve been charged with DUI in Chicago, it may be tempting to handle the matter yourself—especially if it’s your first arrest. After all, you might think it’s just a simple mistake, and if you’re cooperative and respectful, the court will go easy on you. Unfortunately, the legal system doesn’t work that way. A DUI in Illinois is a criminal offense, not a traffic violation. The stakes are high, the process is complex, and your future is on the line.

From the moment you’re pulled over to the day your case is resolved in court, you are involved in a process that has serious legal, financial, and personal consequences. Without a seasoned DUI defense attorney advocating for you, you’re at a serious disadvantage—one that could cost you your driver’s license, your freedom, and even your job.

Let’s take a hard look at what really happens in DUI cases across Chicago and why it’s a critical mistake to try to face these charges alone.

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If you were arrested for DUI in Chicago, your future could hinge on evidence collected in a matter of minutes. In Illinois, prosecutors don’t rely on one smoking gun. They use layers of evidence — police reports, chemical test results, bodycam footage, and field observations — to build a case that looks stronger than it may actually be. Understanding this process is the first step toward building your defense.

Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-501), it is a criminal offense to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination of intoxicating substances. First offenses are misdemeanors, but enhanced circumstances can lead to felony charges. For instance, a DUI with a suspended license or one that causes serious injury can become a Class 4 or Class 2 felony.

Most DUI investigations start with a traffic stop. The officer must have a legally valid reason — like failure to maintain lane position or speeding. What happens next is crucial. Officers immediately begin collecting visual and verbal evidence. They observe if your speech is slurred, your eyes are red or watery, or if there’s an odor of alcohol.

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Most people assume that police need to witness a traffic violation like speeding, swerving, or running a red light before they can legally stop a vehicle. But in Illinois, especially in major metropolitan areas like Chicago, drivers are often pulled over on suspicion of DUI even when they haven’t committed any traffic offense. This raises a critical legal question: Can the police really stop you for DUI in Illinois without any actual traffic violation?

The answer lies in the legal concept of reasonable suspicion, and it plays a major role in DUI cases throughout Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County. If you’ve been arrested under these circumstances, understanding how the law works and what defenses may apply could make all the difference in protecting your rights.

No Violation? No Problem—According to the Law

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