DuPage County Felony DUI Lawyer
Attorney Providing DuPage County Felony DUI Defense
Not all Illinois drunk driving charges are treated the same. The specifics of your case matter. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, whether you were involved in an accident, had children in the car, or other variables, you may face a lifetime as a felon as a result of drunk driving.
Under many circumstances, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is charged as a Class A Misdemeanor in Illinois. Misdemeanor convictions carry a maximum of 364 days in the county jail. Time in the Illinois Department of Corrections is not a possible penalty for misdemeanor convictions. However, under some circumstances, a DUI may be charged as a felony. When this occurs, the potential penalties increase significantly and may include years in the state penitentiary.
If you have been charged with felony DUI, you may be facing serious consequences that will have a huge effect on your life. You want to protect your rights and your freedom, so you should always consult with an experienced DuPage County felony DUI lawyer for assistance as soon as possible. Jason M. Kunowski is a highly dedicated attorney with extensive experience in defending felony DUI charges. Jason M. Kunowski knows how serious the consequences of such charges may be, and will use all of his knowledge and skills to ensure you receive the best outcome in your case.
Felony DUI Charges Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501
There are many factors set out in 625 ILCS 5/11-501 that may allow a prosecutor to charge a DUI as a felony aggravated DUI. These factors include:
- Having two or more prior DUI convictions on the defendant’s criminal record.
- DUI without a driver’s license or with an invalid driver’s license that was expired, suspended, or revoked.
- Being involved in an accident that causes great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability to another person. The accident does not have to be the fault of the defendant.
- Being involved in an accident with any degree of bodily harm to another person while in a school zone, or when the person who suffers the harm is under 16 years of age.
- Causing the death of another person.
- Operating a school bus with passengers under the age of 18 on board.
- Having a previous DUI along with an alcohol related reckless homicide offense on the defendant’s record.
If a prosecutor believes that any of the above circumstances existed in your case, he or she will likely charge you with aggravated felony DUI. For multiple offenses, prosecutors may charge you with higher Class felonies and the consequences may increase even more. Under Illinois law, the potential prison sentences for felony convictions under 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5 are as follows:
- Class 4 felony: 1-3 years
- Class 3 felony: 2-5 years
- Class 2 felony: 3-7 years
- Class 1 felony: 4-15 years
- Class X felony: 6-30 years
Offenders with five or more prior DUI convictions on their records may be charged with a Class X felony, the most serious class of felony possible in Illinois.
Contact a DuPage County Felony DUI lawyer for help
If you have been charged with felony DUI, you do not want to risk spending time in prison. It is important to have an experienced DuPage County felony DUI attorney on your side and working on your case. Jason M. Kunowski can provide the highest quality defense assistance and will work to protect your rights and defend you from felony DUI charges. Do not hesitate to contact Jason M. Kunowski today to discuss your case.
