Felony DUI Attorney:
A. Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates
In this detailed exploration, Andy Sotiropoulos & Associates navigate through the various circumstances that can lead to an Aggravated DUI charge, shedding light on the legal intricacies and potential penalties associated with each scenario.
Illinois Felony DUI
(Aggravated DUI)
DUI in Illinois is normally a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $2,500.00 in fines. In certain limited cases though it’s charged as a FELONY known as AGGRAVATED DUI (listed below).
• Third or subsequent DUI (Class 2 felony; penalties vary according to offense).
• DUI committed while driving a school bus carrying one or more persons age 18or 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 two 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. The revocation period is determined by offense.
• DUI resulting in a death (Class 2 felony). Revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of two years from the effective date of the revocation or from the date of release from incarceration for the offense.
Aggravated DUI Charges in Chicago and Surrounding Counties
Being charged with aggravated DUI in Illinois means facing serious felony consequences, and the way these cases are handled can vary significantly depending on where you were arrested. Chicago and the surrounding counties each have unique court procedures, prosecution strategies, and sentencing tendencies, making local experience a crucial factor in your defense.
Andy Sotiropoulos has defended clients in Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake, Kendall, and DeKalb counties, navigating the local rules, judges, and prosecutors that shape how aggravated DUI cases unfold. Here’s what you need to know about how aggravated DUI charges are handled in different parts of Illinois.
Cook County Aggravated DUI Cases
Cook County, home to Chicago, has one of the busiest court systems in the country. Felony DUI cases are typically heard at the Leighton Criminal Court Building at 26th and California, while suburban Cook County cases are spread across courthouses in Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, and Markham.
Because Cook County courts handle a high volume of DUI cases, prosecutors tend to push for plea deals quickly—but that does not mean you should accept one without exploring your legal options. Some judges here may be open to alternative sentencing, such as probation or treatment programs, but others take a strict stance on aggravated DUI, particularly in cases involving bodily harm or repeat offenses.
If you’ve been charged with felony DUI in Chicago or Cook County, you need an attorney who understands the specific courtroom dynamics, the expectations of local prosecutors, and how to challenge evidence effectively in this jurisdiction.
DuPage County: A Tough Approach to Felony DUI
DuPage County, with its main courthouse in Wheaton, is known for taking DUI cases very seriously. Prosecutors here actively pursue felony DUI convictions, especially in cases involving repeat offenses, injuries, or DUI while driving on a suspended license.
Judges in DuPage County often hand down harsh penalties, including significant jail time, extended driver’s license suspensions, and long periods of probation with strict conditions. However, the county also offers DUI court programs that may allow certain offenders to avoid incarceration through treatment, monitoring, and community service.
If your aggravated DUI case is in DuPage County, your defense strategy must account for the county’s strict stance on DUI while also exploring opportunities for reduced sentencing, case dismissals, or alternative programs. Andy Sotiropoulos appears in DuPage courts regularly, giving his clients the local insight necessary to fight DUI charges effectively.
Will County: Aggravated DUI Cases in Joliet & Beyond
Will County DUI cases are handled at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet, and aggravated DUI offenses are prosecuted aggressively here. The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office has been vocal about cracking down on DUI-related injuries and fatalities, meaning felony DUI cases in this jurisdiction often come with steep penalties, including potential prison time.
However, like other counties, Will County does have options for alternative sentencing in certain cases. Understanding how to approach plea negotiations, pre-trial motions, and potential evidence suppression is critical to securing the best outcome in Will County felony DUI cases.
Kane County: Understanding DUI Prosecution in St. Charles and Geneva
Kane County felony DUI cases are typically heard in St. Charles or Geneva, and prosecutors here closely examine the details of each case before deciding whether to pursue maximum penalties. The Kane County judiciary does not look favorably upon DUI offenders who have prior convictions or who were involved in serious crashes.
However, early intervention from an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in Kane County. Having an attorney who can challenge breathalyzer accuracy, question the legality of the traffic stop, or expose procedural mistakes can lead to reduced charges or even a case dismissal.
Lake County: Aggressive Prosecution for Aggravated DUI
Lake County, with its main courthouse in Waukegan, has a zero-tolerance reputation when it comes to DUI, especially aggravated offenses. Felony DUI cases often result in significant jail time, and Lake County prosecutors are known for being uncompromising in their approach.
Given the county’s tough stance, a strong defense strategy must focus on challenging the prosecution’s case at every level, from questioning field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results to reviewing police bodycam footage for inconsistencies. Andy Sotiropoulos understands the specific challenges of defending DUI cases in Lake County and uses his deep knowledge of DUI law to fight for the best possible outcome.
Kendall and DeKalb Counties: DUI Defense in Smaller Jurisdictions
While Kendall and DeKalb counties may not see the same volume of DUI cases as Cook or DuPage, that does not mean they take them any less seriously. Prosecutors in these counties still pursue aggravated DUI charges aggressively, particularly in cases involving injuries, school zones, or minors in the vehicle.
In smaller jurisdictions like Yorkville (Kendall County) or Sycamore (DeKalb County), court proceedings can be more personalized, with judges and prosecutors taking a closer look at each case individually. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the circumstances.
Having a DUI attorney who is familiar with local court customs, individual judges, and available defense strategies can be especially beneficial in smaller counties where relationships and reputation can influence case outcomes.
Why Local Experience Matters in Aggravated DUI Cases
DUI laws are the same across Illinois, but how those laws are enforced, prosecuted, and adjudicated varies by county. From the high-volume courts of Cook County to the stricter penalties in DuPage and Lake County, your defense must be tailored to the specific courtroom where your case will be heard.
Andy Sotiropoulos has handled DUI cases across Chicago, Cook County, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake, Kendall, and DeKalb counties, giving him the local insight necessary to build a strong defense wherever your case is pending. If you are facing aggravated DUI charges, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. Contact Andy today for a consultation and a strategy that fits your case and your location.
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