Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Protecting Drivers Across Cook County
Chicago is a city that never sleeps—its nightlife, restaurants, and sports events draw crowds late into the night. Unfortunately, increased traffic enforcement often turns an ordinary evening into a serious legal problem. When someone already has one prior DUI conviction, a second arrest under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 can trigger significantly harsher punishment and even felony exposure.
Illinois law classifies a first DUI as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $2,500 fine. A second offense, however, demonstrates what the law views as a pattern of disregard for traffic safety. The penalties are heavier, the license consequences longer, and prosecutors often recommend jail time even if no one was injured.
