JOLIET FELONY DUI DEFENSE LAWYER

Experienced Lawyer for Aggravated DUI Cases in Plainfield, Mokena, and Will County

Each year in Illinois, thousands of individuals are arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In some situations, the case is prosecuted as a misdemeanor, punishable by possible jail time, fines, and the revocation of driving privileges. Some cases, however, are serious enough that they are prosecuted as aggravated DUI, a felony in the state of Illinois. A felony DUI conviction could change your life forever. At Reeder & Brown, P.C., we know the gravity of the situation, and we are prepared to fight on your behalf.

Aggravating Factors in Illinois DUI Cases

Most first and second-offense DUI charges are handled as misdemeanors. According to Illinois law, a third or subsequent DUI offense is automatically charged as a felony. As with most criminal cases, the type of felony and the resulting consequences of a conviction depend upon the circumstances of the individual case. There are a number of other factors that could result in a first or second offense being elevated to a felony charge as well. You may face aggravated DUI charges in situations such as:

• You were driving a school bus and carrying one or more passengers age 18 or under.
• You were driving a taxi, Uber, or other for-hire vehicle with at least one passenger.
• You were carrying a child under age 16 after previously being convicted of DUI.
• You allegedly caused an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
• You allegedly caused an accident while carrying a child under the age of 16 that led to bodily harm to the child.
• You were driving without a valid license or auto insurance.
• You were driving while your license was suspended or revoked for a previous DUI, reckless homicide, or failing to remain at the scene of an accident in which someone suffered an injury or death.
• You had a previous conviction of reckless homicide or felony DUI resulting in death.

Penalties in Felony DUI Cases

A charge of aggravated DUI may range from a Class 4 felony up to a Class X felony in the most serious situations. Penalties for a Class 4 felony DUI may include a prison sentence of up to three years and fines of up $25,000. The prison sentence may be extended if the case involved an injury to another person. As the charges increase in severity, the possible penalties are also more serious. Aggravated DUI resulting in a person's death, for example, is a Class 2 felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 14 years.

At Reeder & Brown, P.C., our criminal defense team draws from the experience of Attorney Joel Brown, a former Will County prosecutor. During his career, Mr. Brown has worked on countless DUI cases, including many charged as felonies. He is ready to put his background and familiarity with the Will County court system to work in developing an aggressive, responsible defense in your case. While negotiation with prosecutors is an important element in many criminal proceedings, we are not afraid to take your case to trial when necessary.

Contact Our Will County Aggravated DUI Defense Attorneys

In cases involving felony charges for aggravated DUI, you must take action immediately. Contact our office for a free consultation. Call 815-885-5980 for an appointment. We provide legal representation and fight to protect the rights of clients in Joliet, Plainfield, Mokena, Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Romeoville, and the rest of Will County.