Trustworthy Waukegan DUI Lawyer Ready To Help You
Were you arrested for a Waukegan, IL, Driving Under the Influence (DUI)? If so, you have a lot on the line. However, you also have options. You absolutely can and should challenge your DUI case and related suspensions. Regardless of whether you were pulled over on nearby Interstate 94 or downtown on Grand Avenue, the Waukegan DUI defense attorney at The Jordan Law Firm can assist you in each and every stage of the judicial process to ensure you receive fair and equitable treatment.
Waukegan DUI Penalties
Illinois has the lowest DUI rates in the country. One reason for this is that the state has some of the harshest DUI penalties. Driving under the influence conviction carries serious consequences. Like most other states, Illinois uses a tiered sentencing system to determine a DUI sentence. If you are convicted of a first DUI offense (a Class A misdemeanor), the court will impose the following sanctions:
- Imprisonment for up to one year;
- A fine of up to $2,500; and
- License revocation for up to a year (two years for minors).
A second offense is also a Class A misdemeanor but involves:
- Mandatory imprisonment for at least five days or 240 hours of community service;
- A fine of up to $2,500; and
- License revocation for five years (if the prior DUI was within 20 years).
A third offense is a Class 2 felony. Sanctions include:
- Mandatory imprisonment for 10 days, or 480 hours of community service;
- A fine of up to $2,500; and
- License revocation for at least 10 years.
The punishments continue to get more severe as the number of prior convictions increases. However, keep in mind that the above information represents the penalties for non-aggravated DUI convictions. If there was a minor in the car at the time or your blood-alcohol content was more than .16, you will face more serious penalties. And if you face aggravated DUI charges, you will be looking at a felony on your record.
Aggravated DUIs
Aggravated DUI is the term used to describe any felony DUI offense. These are the most serious DUI crimes. The following are all considered aggravated DUIs:
- A third DUI arrest;
- A DUI while driving a vehicle for hire (such as an Uber, Lyft, or taxi);
- A DUI while operating a commercial vehicle;
- A DUI without a valid driver’s license;
- A DUI without valid car insurance;
- A DUI resulting in great bodily harm; and
- A DUI while driving on a suspended or revoked license.
After any DUI conviction, in addition to the penalties mentioned above, you will need to take a drug or alcohol education course and pay to have your license reinstated. The court may order that you place an ignition interlock device on your vehicle to regain your driving privileges. And once a DUI is on your record, it cannot be expunged or sealed, meaning it will stay on your record forever.
Given the reality facing those arrested for a DUI, the stakes are simply too high to entrust your case with any run-of-the-mill law firm. You deserve personalized legal representation, and that is exactly what you will find at The Jordan Law Firm. Our Waukegan DUI lawyer aggressively represents clients at every step of the process, from the administrative hearing, to pretrial motions, to trial and appeal, if necessary.
The Jordan Law Firm is committed to providing high-quality, aggressive, and custom-tailored legal counsel to clients charged with DUI, criminal charges offenses, traffic offenses, DCFS appeals, record expungement & sealing, and associated legal concerns. From misdemeanor and felony DUI charges to the most nuanced license reinstatement appeals, our lawyer Anisa Jordan is ready and willing to provide unmatched legal services in all aspects.
Anisa Jordan founded and owns The Jordan Law Firm. As a former prosecutor, she has garnered extensive litigation experience – handling hundreds of cases and earning a well-deserved reputation as a skilled, aggressive, and professional trial lawyer. If you face DUI allegations, let our Waukegan DUI defense lawyer utilize her deep understanding of the justice system to assist you in maximizing the chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case. She is familiar with the tactics the prosecution will use throughout your DUI case and can effectively advise you on the legal options available to you and help you pursue them.
DUI Defense
An Illinois drunk driving charge results in numerous questions: Will I go to jail? Will this charge stick to my permanent record? Will my driver’s license be revoked? How will I get to work or school? Who will find out about my arrest? How much money will this cost me? Should I consult a Waukegan DUI defense lawyer?
The Illinois legal system is extremely intricate and requires experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel in order for a defendant to mount an effective defense against a DUI charge. Retaining an effective Waukegan defense DUI lawyer with a proven track record of success can significantly improve your chances in the courtroom. The Jordan Law Firm has successfully represented countless clients facing misdemeanor and felony DUI charges throughout the Waukegan, IL, locale. Our lawyer, Anisa Jordan thoroughly evaluates every detail of your case, crafting an effective and personally tailored trial strategy and providing you with insightful and accessible legal counsel.
Being arrested for driving under the influence can also result in formal criminal charges. A DUI charge can either be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony offense based on the details of the case and background of the defendant. As a former prosecutor, Anisa Jordan can utilize her expansive experience to strategically counter the state’s evidentiary record and reduce the chances of you receiving a conviction for DUI or jail time.
I think Anisa Jordan is very professional and caring person I felt very comfortable with her professionalism! She is very confident in what she said and she made me feel that she was very concerned in my welfare she is very direct and a genuine person and I can’t say enough about the way I felt good about the outcome of my case she is very helpful and concerned for other people.
– Lisa Bach
Driver’s License Reinstatement Assistance
Has your Illinois driver’s license been revoked or suspended due to a pending DUI charge or conviction? If so, The Jordan Law Firm can help you navigate the complicated process required to re-obtain your license.
A DUI arrest automatically results in the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. If you submitted to a breathalyzer test or submitted to blood or urine analysis, and you are a first-time offender, then your license will be suspended for a minimum of six months. If you are a first-time offender and you refuse to submit to these procedures, your license will be suspended for a minimum of one year. The time period of your suspension or revocation can be longer depending on if you have a previous DUI charge. Fortunately, The Jordan Law Firm has the requisite experience and insight required for you to possibly retain your license. Often, law enforcement officials arrest individuals for driving under the influence despite the fact that they either lack the requisite probable cause or conducted any improper vehicle stop. Additionally, it is often the case that the officer fails to follow the correct protocol for administering the field sobriety or sample analysis tests. Our Waukegan DUI attorney Anisa Jordan will evaluate the specifics of your case in detail and determine if anything was missed with respect to the officer’s investigation into your DUI arrest.
Contact The Jordan Law Firm today online or by calling us directly.
Secretary of State Hearing For Revoked Driver’s License Defense
In the event your driver’s license is revoked, per Illinois statute, you are required to appear at a formal administrative hearing with the Secretary of State before regaining your right to operate a motor vehicle. The Jordan Law Firm is ready and willing to provide you with unparalleled legal guidance when you are seeking to make your case before one of these boards. Our Waukegan DUI lawyer, Anisa Jordan can assist you in presenting a convincing case to maximize your chances of success while simultaneously saving you the time, stress, and financial expenses of attempting to do so on your own.
Contact The Jordan Law Firm Today
Our experienced legal practitioner also handles other types of cases, including:
- Criminal Charges Offense
- Traffic Violations
- Driver’s License Suspension and Revocation
- Assault & Battery
- Identity Theft
- Drug Crimes
- Gun Crimes
- DCFS Appeals
- Record Expungement & Sealing
If you currently face DUI charges, your future is on the line. Even if this is your first offense, you may face significant fines, the revocation of your licenses, and, potentially, jail time. However, you should not give up hope. DUI cases are extremely complex, and present ample opportunities for police officers and lab techs to make mistakes. Our Waukegan DUI defense attorney commands an impressive ability to scour the evidence looking for things that were not done properly or don’t add up. Facing a Waukegan DUI is undoubtedly a stressful experience, but you don’t have to take this journey on your own. To schedule a free consultation with our dedicated Waukegan DUI attorney at The Jordan Law Firm, contact us online or call our office at (224) 340-6522 today.
FAQ
Is an Illinois DUI a Felony or a Misdemeanor?
Illinois charges DUIs as both felonies and misdemeanors. Illinois classifies your first and second DUI offenses as misdemeanors. Later DUI offenses carry the classification of felonies. Felonies receive longer prison sentences and lengthy periods of license suspension. A DUI defense lawyer in Waukegan can evaluate your case to determine whether you can get your case dismissed or have your charges reduced, avoiding a DUI conviction altogether. Contact The Jordan Law Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
Many Illinois police officers base DUI arrests on the driver’s performance during standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs). Designed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the SFSTs aim to determine whether the subject of the tests is impaired. The typical SFSTs used by law enforcement officers include:
- Walk-and-turn;
- One leg stand; and
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus.
The reliability of SFSTs varies depending on the accuracy of the officer performing the test, environmental factors present during the test, and the discretion of the arresting officer. For these reasons, evidence demonstrating the improper administration of SFSTs can be beneficial in a DUI case. A DUI attorney can determine whether the SFSTs you performed were conducted and judged correctly.
Besides Jail Time, What Consequences Does a DUI Have?
Legal penalties associated with a DUI conviction are listed above. However, DUI convictions carry additional consequences outside of the criminal justice system, such as:
- Increased insurance rates;
- Installation of an ignition interlock device;
- Loss of driving privileges;
- Loss of job opportunities; and
- Inability to receive educational scholarships.
These additional penalties result in far-reaching issues for individuals with DUI convictions. Before pleading guilty to a DUI charge, consult with a Waukegan DUI lawyer to discuss the options for your case. The Jordan Law Firm offers free consultations, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
How Can a Waukegan DUI Attorney Help Defend Against My DUI Charge?
Anisa Jordan previously worked as a prosecutor. Because she once was a prosecutor, she is quite familiar with how prosecutors think. Her valuable insight into the thought processes of the prosecutor on your case can help her get you the best outcome possible. Anisa Jordan uses her vast experience in the criminal justice system to provide the highest level of representation possible to her clients charged with DUI. Some ways Anisa can bolster your legal defense include:
- Seeking to exclude evidence that was obtained illegally;
- Questioning the accuracy and reliability of the prosecution’s witnesses;
- Uncovering evidence of racism or bias in the course of your arrest;
- Highlighting issues with evidence gathered at the scene of the DUI; and
- Offering proof of chain of custody errors committed by the department that arrested you.
Having a Waukegan DUI defense attorney in your corner can influence the outcome of your criminal offense case. When your freedom is at stake, choose the DUI lawyer committed to providing each of her clients with aggressive and effective legal representation, no matter the charge. Anisa Jordan takes your case as seriously as you do. Reach out to us today for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.
