Arlington Heights, IL Aggravated DUI Lawyer

Skilled Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer for Aggravated DUI Charges in Arlington Heights

DUI is not always treated as a misdemeanor Certain circumstances can upgrade the charge to aggravated DUI, which carries serious felony charges. A conviction could mean not only losing your driving privileges, but facing a lengthy prison sentence and high fines. To make sure you are protected throughout the case, get in touch with an Arlington Heights aggravated DUI defense attorney.

At Cosley Law Office, we have extensive experience representing clients accused of DUI and other serious criminal charges, with a legal history spanning over 30 years. We will work hard to contest the charge in court, making sure you are protected from all angles.

What Is Aggravated DUI?

Language taken directly from the Illinois Secretary of State's Illinois DUI Fact Book defines aggravated DUI as:

Any DUI offense resulting in felony charges is classified as aggravated DUI. Any 
mandatory term of imprisonment or community service is not subject to suspension 
or reduction. Any person sentenced to probation or conditional discharge also must 
serve a minimum 480 hours of community service or 10 days imprisonment. 
Aggravated DUI includes the following offenses:

• Third or subsequent DUI (Class 2 felony; penalties vary according to offense).
• DUI committed while driving a school bus carrying persons age 18 or younger 
  (Class 4 felony).
• DUI committed while driving a vehicle for-hire carrying one or more passengers (Class 4 felony).
• DUI resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement (Class 4 felony).Revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of 2 years.
• Second or subsequent DUI committed while transporting a child under age 16 
  (Class 2 felony; penalties vary according to offense).
• DUI committed while transporting a child under age 16 and involved in a crash that resulted in bodily harm to the child (Class 2 felony; penalties vary according to offense).
• DUI committed without a valid driver's license or permit (Class 4 felony).
• DUI committed without vehicle liability insurance (Class 4 felony).
• DUI committed after a previous conviction for reckless homicide while DUI or aggravated DUI involving a death (Class 3 felony).
• DUI committed in a school zone while the restricted speed limit is in effect and 
  involved in a crash that resulted in bodily harm (Class 4 felony).
• DUI committed while revoked or suspended for DUI, reckless homicide or leaving the scene of a personal injury or death (Class 4 felony). Any penalty imposed is in addition to the penalty for any subsequent DUI violation. Revocation period is determined by offense.
• DUI resulting in a death (Class 2 felony). Revocation of driving privileges for a 
  minimum of 2 years from the effective date of the revocation or from the date 
  of release from incarceration for the offense.

Penalties for aggravated DUI are significantly more severe than a first offense DUI. Because the charges are increased to a felony, you will be fighting for more than your driver's license. If convicted—either by pleading guilty or by jury—you face a minimum prison sentence in the Illinois state penitentiary system.

Experienced Arlington Heights Aggravated DUI Attorney

As soon as you come under questioning or know that you face aggravated DUI charges in Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Palatine and surrounding areas, callCosley Law Office. Our firm has been protecting the rights and the futures of people charged with DUI in the Greater Chicago metro area for decades. We will work aggressively to investigate the circumstances of your charges and fight to have the aggravated DUI dismissed or reduced, if possible.

We are proud of our record of success in serious cases involving drunk driving. By employing effective strategies, we have earned a proud record of success by:

• Demonstrating that the breath, blood or urine test equipment was faulty
• Proving that blood alcohol count (BAC) results were not accurate
• Demonstrating the person operating the breath test equipment was not qualified
• Demonstrating that the police had no probable cause for making the traffic stop
• Challenging the legality of police checkpoints

Read more about penalties for aggravated DUI at our Illinois DUI Penalties page.

Contact an Arlington Heights Aggravated DUI Defense Lawyer

Cosley Law Office represents clients facing drunk driving charges in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Illinois, and communities throughout the greater metropolitan Chicago area. Contact our Arlingoton Heights DUI defense atotrney or call us at 847-253-3100 to schedule a free consultation.