Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Understanding DUI License Suspensions After an Arrest in Chicago
Anyone who is stopped and arrested for DUI in Chicago usually has the same immediate fear. They want to know whether they will still be able to drive to work, take their kids to school, or handle daily responsibilities. Chicago is a city where many residents rely on vehicles even with public transportation options. Losing driving privileges can disrupt everything from employment to caring for family members.
Illinois DUI law is controlled by 625 ILCS 5/11‑501 along with the statutory summary suspension statutes. A DUI arrest does not automatically suspend your license at the moment of arrest. However, an automatic suspension is set in motion and will take effect unless you take formal legal action. People are often surprised to learn that the suspension of driving privileges is a civil administrative penalty, not part of the criminal case itself. That means you can be found not guilty of DUI and still lose your license if the summary suspension is not challenged on time.
