Receiving a DUI charge is a terrifying, stressful, and life-changing experience. Illinois has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation, and the penalties for a conviction can be severe, even for a first offense. Navigating the complex legal aftermath requires the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney.
At Brave Law Center, P.C., we are committed to providing you with the support, assistance, and answers you deserve. Our team works with clients across the Peoria, Morton, Washington, Bloomington, Pekin, Eureka, and Canton communities, fighting to protect their rights and their futures.
A common misconception is that a DUI charge only applies to driving under the influence of alcohol. However, any substance that impairs your ability to drive safely can lead to a DUI arrest. This includes prescription drugs, marijuana, and other controlled substances.
The law is primarily concerned with your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). In Illinois, the legal limits are:
The moments after a DUI arrest are critical, and the faster you have an attorney involved, the better your chances of a favorable resolution. Our strategic approach includes:
Facing a DUI charge on your own can have devastating consequences. Hiring our firm provides critical advantages:
A DUI arrest triggers an automatic Statutory Summary Suspension of your license. We act quickly to challenge this suspension and fight to keep you on the road.
Our primary goal is to avoid a conviction, protecting you from jail time, high fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect your life for years.
We guide you through the two parallel cases involved in a DUI: the criminal charges in court and the administrative license suspension with the Secretary of State.
Our team’s experience as former prosecutors gives us unique insight into how the other side builds their case, allowing us to create a stronger, more effective defense.
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Illinois become progressively more severe with each offense. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney is crucial to manage your defense and mitigate these consequences.
A first-time DUI is a serious charge with penalties that can include a possible jail sentence of up to one year, fines of up to $2,500, and a license revocation for one year (two years if under 21).
A second conviction carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 5 days or 240 hours of community service, with fines up to $5,000. Your license will be revoked for a minimum of five years if the second conviction is within 20 years of the first.
A third DUI is a Class 2 Felony. Penalties can include a jail sentence of three to seven years and fines of up to $25,000, with a minimum 10-year license revocation. Subsequent convictions carry even harsher penalties, potentially leading to decades in prison and a lifetime license revocation.
Other consequences can include the loss of a job, significantly increased insurance rates (requiring an SR-22), and mandatory participation in alcohol or drug education programs.
When choosing a DUI lawyer, experience is critical—especially experience that provides a strategic advantage. What truly sets our firm apart is our background as former DUI prosecutors. Attorney Jason Netzley’s experience handling cases from the other side gives our team an invaluable perspective on how the state builds its case against you. We understand the procedures they must follow, the evidence they rely on, and most importantly, where to find weaknesses in their arguments.
This insider’s knowledge is a powerful tool in crafting your defense. Our deep familiarity with the local courts and prosecutors in Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, and Fulton counties further strengthens our ability to navigate your case effectively.
Yes, in most cases. A DUI arrest triggers a Statutory Summary Suspension, which automatically suspends your license on the 46th day after your arrest. You have only 90 days to challenge this suspension in a separate hearing, making it critical to act quickly.
While you are not required to take a preliminary breath test on the road, refusing a post-arrest breath, blood, or urine test has significant consequences. A refusal will result in a longer mandatory driver's license suspension than failing the test.
The criminal case is handled in court and determines your guilt or innocence, potentially leading to fines and jail time. The Statutory Summary Suspension is an administrative process handled by the Illinois Secretary of State that deals only with your driving privileges. They are two separate legal battles that require two distinct strategies.
No. In Illinois, a conviction for Driving Under the Influence cannot be expunged or sealed from your record, except in very rare circumstances. This makes fighting the charge from the very beginning absolutely essential.
DUI defense is a highly technical area of law that intersects with other criminal charges. Our firm is equipped to handle all aspects of your case, from the initial arrest to any related traffic or felony charges.
This service is a core component of our Criminal Law Practice.
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Time is critical after a DUI arrest. The deadlines for challenging your automatic license suspension are strict, and the sooner our team can begin building your defense, the better your chances of a positive outcome.
To discuss your case, contact us today at 309-228-9248 or complete our online form.
