Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains the Hidden Immigration Risks of a DUI Arrest
Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in America, home to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who work, study, and raise families throughout Cook County. A night out on Milwaukee Avenue or a family gathering in Pilsen can turn life-changing if a traffic stop leads to a DUI arrest. For non-citizens, a single arrest can bring not only criminal charges under Illinois law but also unwanted attention from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I have seen clients blindsided when an ICE hold appears after a simple misdemeanor DUI arrest. Even though Illinois law classifies a first-time DUI as a Class A misdemeanor under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, the criminal and immigration systems often intersect in unpredictable ways. Understanding how and why ICE becomes involved is essential to protecting your liberty and immigration status.
