Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Understanding What Really Happens After a DUI Arrest in Chicago
Chicago drivers are often shocked when they learn that losing a license after a DUI arrest can happen before any conviction ever occurs. In Illinois, a DUI arrest usually triggers a statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license, a separate administrative action handled by the Illinois Secretary of State. The most common question I hear as a Chicago DUI lawyer is whether this suspension will appear on a driving record that employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can see.
The reality is simple but serious. Unless the suspension is rescinded by a judge, it will show up on your Illinois driving abstract. That entry can affect employment, insurance premiums, professional driving opportunities, CDL status, and background checks. This is why addressing the suspension is as important as defending the criminal DUI case.
