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What Happens After A Dui Arrest In Illinois?

Summary Suspension Hearing:
- Your drivers license will be suspended if you are arrested for DUI and either (a) you submit to a chemical test which reveals an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater or (b) your refuse to submit to a chemical test.
- The suspension of your license is separate from the DUI and typically begins 46 days following your arrest.
- The length of suspension may vary from three months to three years.
- You are entitled to a hearing within 30 days of making a written request or the suspension will be lifted. You must file the written request within 90 days of your arrest.
Arraignment: This is the date on your ticket, about 30 to 60 days after your arrest. If you have an attorney, he will advise you.
Pretrial Conference: Your attorney will discuss your case with the State's Attorney and negotiate the best possible plea bargain. It will happen after arraignment and usually after the Summary Suspension Hearing. The date is set by the Court and your attorney on his calendar.
Suppression Hearing: The Court may suppress some or all of the evidence against you if your constitutional rights have been violated. Your attorney will file motions to suppress. This usually occurs after the pretrial conference.
Trial: Almost always a trial to a jury of twelve. Trial must be held within 120 to 160 days after you demand trial, depending whether or not you are in custody.
Sentencing: The Court imposes a sentence after a conviction at trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered. Sentences may include jail time, in home detention, public service, alcohol classes and fines

Other Illinois Drunk Driving Defense FAQs

Q: What Are The Penalties For Dui?
A: If you have never had a DUI before, you may be eligible for Court Supervision. Court Supervision will not appear on your public driving record, nor will it affect your … More
Q: What Is A Statutory Summary Suspension?
A: It's a suspension of your driving privileges by the Secretary of State if you were arrested for DUI and submitted to a chemical test which revealed your Blood Alcohol … More
Q: What Is Implied Consent And How Do I Know If I'm A "First Offender"?
A: You are deemed to have given your consent to submit to chemical testing following your arrest for DUI simply by driving on an Illinois roadway. A "first offender" for … More
Q: What Is Bac?
A: BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration and measures the amount of alcohol in your system. It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or greater in Illinois.
Q: What If Drugs Were Found In My System?
A: It is illegal to drive in Illinois with ANY amount of drugs in your system that impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. You will also face a Statutory … More
Q: What's The Difference Between A Suspension And Revocation?
A: A suspension means you lose driving privileges for a set period of time and/or until you meet certain reinstatement requirements (usually payment of a reinstatement … More
Q: How Many Hours Of Alcohol Classes Will I Have To Take?
A: Anywhere between 10 to 75 hours, depending on your BAC, driving history, and certain other factors.
Q: The Dangers Of Distracted Driving And How To Prevent Them
A: A Message from Secretary of State Jesse White Driver distractions and inattentive driving play a part in one out of every four motor vehicle crashes. That’s … More
Q: What Are The Speed Limits In Illinois?
A: Unless Otherwise Posted Absolute Interstate 65 mph Ltd Access Rds 65 mph Other Primary Rds 55 mph Residential 30 mph More
Q: How Are Speed Limits Enforced?
A: Enforced through use of: Pacing Yes Radar Yes Vascar Yes Photo Radar No Aircraft Yes Laser Yes More