Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago is a city that never slows down. From Wrigleyville after a Cubs game to the nightlife of River North, people are constantly on the move. Unfortunately, that also means police patrols are ever-present, and DUI arrests are common across Cook County and surrounding areas. Illinois law is clear: operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both is a crime. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .08, but a driver may be charged even below that level if impairment is alleged.
A DUI charge begins as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances. A first offense with no injuries or aggravating factors is a Class A misdemeanor. But that classification changes quickly. If someone has prior DUI convictions, if a child passenger is present, or if the case involves injury or death, prosecutors may file aggravated DUI charges, which are felonies. Felonies carry prison time and lifelong collateral consequences.
Even when a DUI remains a misdemeanor, the ripple effects are significant. Many people are shocked to discover that the fine printed on the ticket or the potential jail term listed on the charge sheet represent only a fraction of the true impact. The hidden costs extend into employment, housing, education, insurance, and even family life.
