Felony DUI Defense
Drunk driving is taken very seriously in Illinois. More than just multiple driving under the influence (DUI) convictions can escalate your drunk driving charge to a felony. If you have been arrested for felony DUI, you need a skilled and aggressive attorney to fight the charges against you.
Warren J. Breslin is a former Chicago police officer and a former prosecutor. He has extensive experience defending clients in felony DUI cases. He will make sure you understand his defense strategy in your case and discuss your options before proceeding. He will vigorously defend your interests.
Contact a Chicago felony DUI lawyer online for a return call, or call Warren J. Breslin Law Offices at 847-934-7070 or toll free at 888-934-7070 to discuss your case.
Escalation to a Felony DUI Charge
In Illinois, a DUI charge, which if charged as a misdemeanor alone carries substantial penalties, can be escalated to a much more serious felony charge for many reasons, including:
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without a license
- Driving while your license is suspended or revoked for specific offenses
- Third DUI, or second if first resulted in death, or first if DUI caused death or serious injury
- Causing serious injury to another
- Driving a school bus with passengers 18 or younger
- Causing any injury to another while driving any speed in a 20MPH school zone
- Causing any injury to passenger under age 16
- Second DUI while transporting passenger under age 16
Felony DUI enhancement laws are particularly difficult for immigrants. You cannot obtain an Illinois driver's license without a Social Security number. Illegal immigrants who are arrested for drunk driving get little sympathy from the court system and almost always have their DUI charges escalated to felonies. In addition to serious criminal penalties, felony DUI convictions can result in deportation. Warren J. Breslin has experience helping immigrants with their DUI charges. Immigration concerns are always addressed in every criminal case that Warren J. Breslin is defending.
It is also especially surprising for defendants to learn that they are facing felony prosecution for a first time DUI only because they forgetfully let their liability insurance lapse. It is strict, but it is the law. If faced with that situation, it is strongly advised that you obtain insurance coverage as soon as possible to be used in your defense or mitigation. Warren J. Breslin has diverted many felony prosecutions by bringing his clients into compliance quickly.
Avoid the Consequences of a Felony Conviction
If you are convicted of a felony DUI, or any other felony in Illinois, you will no longer be allowed to possess a firearm. You also risk substantial jail time. Furthermore, a felony conviction can have an adverse impact on your future job and educational prospects.
Attorney Breslin will investigate your case by gathering all evidence including video from the traffic stop and all witness statements. He has extensive knowledge of Illinois field sobriety testing. He will try very hard to have your charges dismissed or reduced so you can move on with your life without a felony criminal record.
If you are facing felony charges for DUI in Schaumburg, Chicago or the surrounding areas, contact an experienced criminal defense firm. Warren J. Breslin offers free phone consultations at no obligation to you. Give him a call.
