New Lenox DUI Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Drunk Driving Charges in New Lenox, IL

A DUI arrest can have major, life-altering consequences. Not only could you face jail time and lose your driving privileges either temporarily or permanently, but there are collateral consequences to worry about. These consequences are different than legal consequences, which are the punishments the court orders. Collateral consequences are everything else that happens to you as a result of your DUI.

Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C. will approach your defense in the way that is best for you. Attorney Eric J. Blatti has successfully represented hundreds of DUI defendants, many of whom have seen their cases dismissed or received court supervision, allowing them to walk away without a criminal record. Your rights and priorities come first at Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C..

The Legal Consequences of a DUI in Illinois

The potential legal sanctions you could face depend on factors like whether this is your first DUI, whether you have any previous DUI convictions, and whether there were any aggravating circumstances.

A first or second DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor that carries less than a year in jail. Most people who go to jail for a misdemeanor DUI serve short sentences. A skilled attorney can often help misdemeanor DUI defendants avoid jail time entirely by asking for court supervision. If you get court supervision and complete it successfully, you may be able to have the DUI taken off your record.

Community service is often a big part of sentencing for a misdemeanor DUI. A DUI conviction can also mean a fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense. Additionally, your driver's license will be suspended for a minimum of six months if you failed a chemical BAC test, and a DUI conviction will result in the revocation of your license for at least one year.

If you are charged with a felony DUI, the penalties become far more serious. You could face over a year behind bars. More serious types of felony DUIs, such as intoxication manslaughter (causing a fatal accident while driving drunk) can carry a decade or more of prison time. You could also lose your driving privileges for a very long time and face up to $25,000 in fines.

Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Even if the legal sanctions you are given for a DUI are not too harsh, the collateral consequences might be. Some of the things that might happen to you as a result of your DUI include:

• Losing a job - Depending on what you do for work, your employer may not want you representing the company after a DUI arrest. Professionals are more likely to face consequences like being fired.
• Professional license issues - If you are a licensed professional, such as a registered nurse or a licensed social worker, you may have to answer to the licensing board. If this is a second or third DUI, you may have a serious problem.
• Transportation issues - If you cannot drive, you might have a difficult time getting around town. Simple things like going to work or going shopping might become far more challenging. You may need to apply for a hardship license so you can drive at least for limited necessary reasons, like getting to work or picking up your children from daycare.
• Financial difficulty - You might need to pay fines and court costs, pay for an ignition interlock device, pay for court supervision, and pay for a service like Uber while your license is suspended. These expenses can be especially problematic if you lose your job due to a DUI arrest or conviction.
• School sanctions - If you are a college student, you will likely face discipline at school, and a DUI could even lead to expulsion in some cases.
• Family and social difficulties - Your spouse, children, or other immediate family members may feel the impact of your case. Some people have marital or relationship difficulties after a DUI affects their families.

Contact a New Lenox, IL DUI Attorney

Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C. is committed to helping people accused of DUI. Experienced DUI defense lawyer Eric J. Blatti understands how difficult being in this position can be, and he will do all he can to protect your interests. Contact us at 815-744-2500 for a free, no-obligation consultation.