4th of July DUI Defense in Cook County

If you’re like many people, you know that the Illinois State Police will be setting up DUI checkpoints around 4th of July to catch intoxicated drivers – but what can you do if you get a DUI? Will you go to jail, will it stay on your criminal record forever, and how can you defend yourself against these serious charges?

Though you should never get behind the wheel and drive when you’re intoxicated (for your own safety and others’ safety), this guide explains what happens if you’re arrested for, charged with and convicted of driving under the influence in Illinois this 4th of July (or on any other day of the year).

4th of July DUI Defense in Cook County  

Driving under the influence is a serious crime in Cook County and elsewhere in Illinois – in fact, it can be a misdemeanor or a felony, and both of those have serious implications for your future.

DUI as a Misdemeanor

You can be convicted of misdemeanor DUI in Illinois if you’re operating a vehicle on a public road with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above. If it’s your first or second offense, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor – but you can absolutely also be charged with a felony.

If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor DUI, you could spend up to a year in jail and pay fines of up to $,2500.

DUI as a Felony

In some cases, DUI is a felony in Illinois – even if nobody gets hurt and no property is damaged. If you’re arrested for felony DUI, you need to know that you could spend years in prison. 

If someone is hurt as a result of your DUI, you’ll almost certainly face felony charges.  

Special Circumstances

If your blood-alcohol concentration is over 0.16, there’s a mandatory jail sentence for you – and if a minor is in your vehicle at the time of your arrest, you’re also going to jail and facing additional penalties if you’re convicted.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About DUI in Cook County?

If you’ve been accused of DUI in Cook County, we may be able to help you – and don’t worry: It’s completely confidential. Call us at 847-920-4540 or fill out the form below to schedule your free, private consultation with an experienced and skilled Chicago criminal defense attorney now.