Felony DUI
The law has little patience with repeat DUI offenders. One convicted of aggravated DUI faces serious consequences including a prison sentence. It is important to understand, however, that if you have been arrested for felony driving under the influence then you have options. An attorney may be able to help you fight the charges. Our Chicago felony DUI lawyer handles such matters. Contact our Orland Park office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Charges for aggravated or felony DUI begin with the prosecution holding a preliminary hearing or seeking an indictment from the grand jury. If the defendant is out of custody then the matter will proceed to trial within 180 days. If the defendant is in custody then trial will take place within 120 days. These speedy trial rights may be waived. Common defenses in DUI cases revolve around whether police illegally stopped the vehicle, whether the collection of blood evidence was faulty, and whether testing equipment was not properly calibrated. It is crucial that you retain a lawyer to assist you with these issues.
Michael J. Brennan is a Chicago attorney handling felony DUI cases. Michael will immediately obtain all evidence available in your case. If feasible he will file to have the case dismissed due to an unreasonable search and seizure by the police during the vehicle stop. He will also file any available challenges to the way in which blood evidence was taken and maintained. If equipment was not properly calibrated then it may be possible to have your case dismissed due to faulty evidence. These are complicated issues and you need counsel to assist you. Contact us today.
WHAT IS A FELONY DUI IN ILLINOIS
Felony charges for driving under the influence are known as “aggravated DUI.” Illinois will charge aggravated DUI as a Category 4 felony. This means the defendant will receive a sentence of one to three years in prison.
PREVUOUS DUIS
Illinois will charge a defendant for this offense if they have two previous DUI convictions.
SCHOOL ZONE
Driving drunk in a school zone will result in a felony DUI.
NO LICENSE
Driving drunk without a valid driver’s license will also result in an aggravated DUI.
INJURY OR DEATH
An incident resulted in serious injury or death will result in felony DUI charges.
GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
Michael is a former State’s Attorney and has over thirty years of legal experience. He has presented many cases to juries and understands the procedures used by police when collecting evidence. He brings this level of experience and the highest level of service to each case. Such service includes promptly returning phone calls, regularly providing clients with his cell phone number, and making sure his clients know what to expect from the process.