Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
DUI arrests in Illinois happen every day, but not all charges are created equal. Some drivers walk away with a misdemeanor that, while serious, can be resolved with supervision or probation. Others face felony charges that carry prison time, long-term license revocation, and permanent damage to their record. The difference often comes down to a few critical facts—and understanding those facts is the first step to protecting your future.
In Chicago, law enforcement is vigilant about impaired driving, especially during nights, weekends, and holidays. If you’re stopped by the Chicago Police Department or Illinois State Police and charged under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, you may assume it’s a misdemeanor. But when certain conditions are met, the same statute can be used to charge you with Aggravated DUI, which is always a felony.
Let’s look at what changes the charge, how prosecutors build their case, and what you can do to fight back with the help of a skilled defense attorney.
