Top-Rated DUI Lawyers in Chicago, IL

Securing the services of a competent DUI lawyer in Chicago, Illinois, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your DUI case. Here’s a breakdown of how a specialized attorney can help at each stage, from immediately after a DUI arrest to the appeals process and beyond.

Immediately After A DUI Arrest in Chicago

The first few hours after a Chicago drunk driving arrest are critical. Law enforcement and prosecutors begin building their case against you almost immediately. Having a top-rated DUI attorney in Chicago involved from the start can ensure that your rights are protected.

They can also provide essential legal advice about what to say and what not to say, as your statements can be used against you. Your attorney can review the arrest procedure for any issues, such as lack of probable cause for the traffic stop or improperly administered field sobriety tests. Any of these factors can be grounds for case dismissal or a reduction of charges.

Additionally, you only have 20 days from the day of your DUI arrest to appeal the mandatory administrative license suspension. This is also known as a statutory summary suspension in Chicago. Your Chicago DUI lawyer can help you file the appeal and walk you through the appeals process. This may enable you to keep your driver’s license until your court date.

Pre-Trial

Before the trial, your DUI attorney will engage in discovery, obtaining police evidence that the prosecution plans to use against you. They’ll scrutinize the evidence meticulously for any inconsistencies, errors, or constitutional violations. For instance, breathalyzer and blood alcohol tests must adhere to specific protocols; any deviation can render the results invalid. The earlier you hire a top-rated Chicago DUI lawyer, the more time they have to build a strong DUI defense.

Your attorney can also file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or even dismiss the case if there are significant procedural errors. This phase is also when plea negotiations typically occur. A skilled attorney can leverage the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to negotiate a lesser charge or alternative sentencing that may keep you out of jail and possibly even keep your driving privileges intact.

During Trial

If your case goes to trial, a specialized Chicago DUI attorney is indispensable. They will build a robust defense strategy and cross-examine prosecution witnesses and police officers to expose weaknesses in their testimonies. They can also present expert witnesses to counter the prosecution’s case. Your attorney’s role is to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors.

Given the complexity of DUI laws and related science, having a top-rated DUI attorney in Chicago who understands the nuances can be the difference between conviction and acquittal.

After Trial

Even if you are convicted, your attorney’s job isn’t over. They can file post-conviction motions for a new DUI trial or to have the sentence reduced. They’ll also prepare a comprehensive argument for leniency during the sentencing phase, potentially saving you from a more severe penalty.

Appeals and Onward

If there are grounds to appeal a DUI conviction verdict, such as judicial errors or newly discovered evidence, a competent DUI lawyer in Chicago can guide you through the complex appellate procedure. Winning an appeal could result in a new DUI trial or even an outright case dismissal.

Additionally, your attorney can advise you on how to expunge the conviction from your record. This is only applicable if the charges were dropped or reduced. In Illinois, you cannot get a DUI sealed or expunged from your record. In the event you were convicted of a DUI in Chicago, your DUI attorney can help you mitigate its long-term effects on your life.