Blog Home What Leads to Aggravated DUI Charges in Chicago?
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Chicago are always serious matters, but the situation can become significantly more concerning when you are charged with aggravated DUI. Different factors regarding the allegations against you and your previous record can result in DUI charges escalating to aggravated DUI.
If you are facing aggravated DUI charges in Chicago, don’t wait to speak with a Chicago DUI defense attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg today for a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome in your case.
Driving Under the Influence with a Suspended or Revoked License
One of the leading factors that can result in aggravated DUI charges in Chicago is driving under the influence while your license is suspended or revoked. In Illinois, driving on a suspended or revoked license is already considered a serious offense. However, combining this offense with a DUI can elevate the charges to aggravated DUI.
Whether your license was suspended due to a previous DUI conviction or for any other reason, being caught driving under the influence can lead to enhanced penalties. The court takes these cases seriously to deter individuals from driving while their driving privileges are revoked or suspended.
Causing Bodily Harm or Death
Another factor that can result in aggravated DUI charges in Chicago is causing bodily harm or death to another person while driving under the influence. If you are involved in a DUI-related accident that results in injury to another person, you may face aggravated DUI charges. The severity of the injuries will determine the severity of the charges and potential penalties. If the accident results in a fatality, you may be charged with aggravated DUI causing death, which can carry even harsher consequences.
Multiple DUI Convictions
Having multiple DUI convictions on your record can lead to aggravated DUI charges in Chicago. The court takes a history of repeat offenses very seriously. Each subsequent DUI conviction within a specific time frame, typically within 10 years, carries enhanced penalties. These penalties may include longer jail sentences, higher fines, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and extended license suspensions.
Understanding the Penalties
Being convicted of aggravated DUI in Chicago can result in severe penalties, which depend on the circumstances of the offense, any prior convictions, the assigned judge’s discretion, and more. However, in general, the potential penalties for aggravated DUI can include:
- Large fines: Aggravated DUI convictions can result in fines ranging from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the offense and any previous convictions.
- License suspension: Aggravated DUI charges often lead to lengthy license suspensions, which may range from several months to several years, or even a lifetime revocation in extreme cases. The length of the suspension can vary depending on the severity of the offense and any prior convictions.
- Mandatory alcohol treatment programs: In many aggravated DUI cases, the court may require the offender to complete mandatory alcohol treatment programs as part of their sentence. These programs are aimed at addressing the underlying issues that contributed to the DUI offense and ensuring that the individual receives the necessary help and support to avoid future DUI incidents.
- Imprisonment: Depending on the circumstances of the offense, aggravated DUI convictions can result in imprisonment. The length of the sentence will vary based on factors such as the severity of the offense, any prior convictions, and the assigned judge’s discretion.
In Chicago, the penalties for aggravated DUI are particularly severe because of the city and Illinois’s commitment to crack down on drunk driving and protect public safety. However, keep in mind that not all aggravated DUI charges are justified, and there are many defenses available and warranted in many situations.
Have a defense attorney review your situation, and they might explore defense strategies, including:
- Demonstrating the traffic stop or evidence collection violated your constitutional rights
- Chemical testing was flawed and unreliable
- Challenging the aggravating factors presented by the prosecution
- Challenging the arresting officer’s testimony or other key evidence
Consult a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
If you or someone you know is facing aggravated DUI charges in Chicago, you need a skilled and experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyer by your side. The Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg is a leading firm handling criminal defense, including DUI cases.
Never face aggravated DUI charges in Chicago alone. Contact the Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg today for a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case. Don’t wait—act now to safeguard your rights and protect your future.
