Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
What Happens After a DUI Conviction in Chicago?
After a DUI conviction, most people believe the outcome is final. But in many cases, it isn’t. As a criminal defense lawyer representing clients throughout Chicago—including Lincoln Square, West Loop, Uptown, and the surrounding Cook County suburbs—I often work with individuals who believe their case was mishandled or their rights were ignored during their trial. If you’ve been found guilty of driving under the influence in Illinois, you may still be able to challenge the outcome—through a direct appeal.
In the City of Chicago, DUI enforcement is aggressive. From downtown to the expressways, Chicago police conduct regular patrols and DUI checkpoints. If you’re pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or another controlled substance, officers rely on field tests, breath samples, blood tests, and their own personal observations to justify an arrest. Once arrested, you’re booked and charged under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, which defines Illinois DUI law.
