Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Being arrested for DUI in Chicago can feel overwhelming. One minute you are driving through Logan Square, Back of the Yards, Lakeview, or Chatham, and the next you are dealing with flashing lights, field sobriety tests, and handcuffs. After the shock wears off, another fear sets in fast: what will happen to your driver’s license? For many people, the first thought is whether they can rely on a public defender or whether they really need to hire a private Chicago DUI lawyer to fight the suspension.
The reality is that Illinois has one of the strictest systems in the country for suspending driver’s licenses after DUI arrests. It does not matter whether your case is ultimately proven in court. Under the statutory summary suspension laws, your license can be suspended automatically unless you challenge it quickly. Understanding who will fight that suspension and how it works is critical to protecting your right to drive.
Public defenders are valuable parts of the criminal justice system and they help many people every day. But the question is not whether public defenders care or are capable. The real question is whether the structure of the public defender’s office gives them the time, resources, and assignment scope to handle your separate DUI license suspension hearing in addition to the criminal case. In many situations, the answer is no, and the consequences of assuming otherwise can be severe.
