Felony DUI Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois

The moment you are charged with a felony DUI, the stakes are incredibly high. This level of DUI charge means that the situation involves aggravating factors or repeated offenses, which the law does not take lightly. Whether it's due to a high blood alcohol content, an accident causing injury, or multiple offenses, the implications are significant.  

At Ciardelli, Cummings & Campagna LLC, we understand the serious nature of being charged with a felony DUI. Located in Chicago, Illinois, and serving clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to those facing such charges. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the law, a commitment to personalized care, and a relentless pursuit of the best possible outcomes for our clients. 

Understanding Felony DUIs

Driving under the influence (DUI) becomes a more severe charge of felony DUI under certain conditions. These conditions might include prior DUI convictions, causing bodily harm or death, driving with a revoked or suspended license, or driving with a minor in the vehicle at the time of the offense. We recognize the complexity of these cases and the profound impact they can have on an individual's life. We aim to navigate these nuances with you, ensuring you fully understand the charges you're facing and the legal road ahead. 

Class 4 Felony 

A DUI may be elevated to a Class 4 Felony under certain conditions, such as when an individual has previous DUI convictions or when the DUI incident involves other aggravating factors but does not result in bodily harm or death. Understanding which DUIs qualify for this classification is crucial for preparing a strong defense. 

Consequences: For those convicted at this level, penalties can include 1-3 years of imprisonment and fines up to $25,000. In cases where an Aggravated DUI results in injury, imprisonment terms can extend from 1 to 12 years, with fines remaining consistent at up to $25,000. 

Class 3 Felony 

DUI charges may rise to a Class 3 Felony in scenarios that involve more serious aggravating circumstances than those typically associated with a Class 4 Felony. This might include driving under the influence with a revoked or suspended license due to a prior DUI. 

Consequences: The repercussions for a Class 3 Felony can be serious, encompassing 2-5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000, reflecting the seriousness of the offense and its impact on community safety. 

Class 2 Felony 

Class 2 Felonies are reserved for DUI cases that result in severe outcomes, such as causing death or significant bodily harm. This classification also encompasses repeat offenders with multiple prior DUI convictions. 

Consequences: Individuals convicted of a Class 2 Felony face longer imprisonment times of 3-7 years and fines up to $25,000. If an Aggravated DUI results in one death, the imprisonment range extends from 3 to 14 years. For incidents involving multiple fatalities, sentences can increase dramatically to 6-28 years, with fines maintained at up to $25,000, underscoring the tragic consequences of such actions. 

Class 1 Felony 

This classification typically covers DUI cases with extremely serious circumstances, potentially including repeated DUI offenses under particularly egregious conditions. 

Consequences: Conviction at this level includes possible imprisonment of 4-15 years, with fines up to $25,000, reflecting the severity and potential harm caused by these offenses. 

Class X Felony 

The Class X Felony represents the most severe classification for DUI offenses, applied in the most extreme cases, such as repeated serious offenses or those resulting in multiple deaths. 

Consequences: Those found guilty within this category could face 6-30 years in prison, alongside fines reaching $25,000, indicative of the profound seriousness with which the law views such offenses. 

Defending Against Felony DUI Charges

Defending against felony DUI charges requires a tailored strategy that focuses on the individual circumstances of each case. The criminal defense team at Ciardelli, Cummings & Campagna LLC leverages various defense tactics to support our clients effectively. Key strategies include: 

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop: We scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the initial stop to ensure that it was legally justified. 

• Questioning the accuracy and administration of chemical tests: The reliability of breathalyzers and other chemical tests is not absolute; we examine whether these tests were conducted properly and if the results are dependable. 

• Examining procedural errors: We meticulously review the arrest process, looking for any procedural lapses that could impact the validity of the evidence against you. 

• Presenting mitigating circumstances: In cases where there is a justifiable reason for the action, such as driving under emergency conditions, we present these arguments to potentially reduce the severity of the consequences. 

• Alternative sentencing options: We explore alternatives to imprisonment, such as rehabilitation programs or community service, that can serve as a basis for negotiation with the prosecution. 

Our firm, Ciardelli, Cummings & Campagna LLC, emphasizes the importance of a defense that is not only robust but also personalized. We understand that each case comes with its unique set of circumstances, challenges, and opportunities for defense. 

How Our Firm Can Help

At Ciardelli, Cummings & Campagna LLC, we offer a skilled defense for those facing felony DUI charges. Our team is skilled in analyzing the details of each case, crafting strategic defenses, and advocating for our clients in court. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes because we know the profound impact these charges can have on an individual's life. 

FAQs

Q: What makes a DUI a felony in Illinois? 

A: A DUI can be elevated to a felony for several reasons, including repeat offenses, causing injury or death, and driving with a revoked license, among others. 

Q: Can you refuse a breathalyzer test in Illinois? 

A: While you can technically refuse a breathalyzer test, doing so can lead to automatic penalties, including license suspension, under Illinois' implied consent laws. 

Q: How can your firm help me if I'm facing a felony DUI charge? 

A: Our firm can provide comprehensive legal support, from analyzing the specifics of your case and crafting a tailored defense strategy to representing you in court and advocating on your behalf for the best possible outcome.