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US Disctrict Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Arlington Heights DUI Cases

Arlington Heights DUI Lawyer – Defending Your DUI Case with Experience and Dedication

If you have been arrested for DUI in Arlington Heights, Illinois, you are facing serious legal consequences that can impact your life in many ways. A DUI charge in Illinois is not just a traffic violation—it is a criminal offense that can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and even jail time. James Dimeas, and his legal team, understand how overwhelming and stressful a DUI charge can be. As an experienced Arlington Heights DUI attorney, James Dimeas has spent decades successfully defending individuals charged with DUI and related offenses in Cook County and throughout Illinois.

Understanding DUI Charges in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Illinois has strict DUI laws, and Arlington Heights law enforcement officers aggressively pursue drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Illinois, a driver is legally intoxicated if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, you can still be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below 0.08% if the officer believes you were impaired while driving.

Under Illinois law, you can be charged with DUI in the following ways:

Per Se DUI: If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you are automatically presumed to be intoxicated under Illinois law.
Impairment DUI: If an officer believes that you are impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, you can be charged with DUI regardless of your BAC.
Zero Tolerance DUI: Drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI if they have any alcohol in their system.
Drug-Related DUI: If you are found to have any amount of an illegal substance or certain prescription drugs in your system while operating a vehicle, you can be charged with DUI.

DUI Process in Arlington Heights

When you are arrested for DUI in Arlington Heights, the legal process typically follows these steps:

Traffic Stop & Arrest: If an officer observes signs of impairment or a traffic violation, they may stop your vehicle. The officer may conduct field sobriety tests or request a breathalyzer test. If they have probable cause, they will place you under arrest for DUI.
Booking & Bail: After your arrest, you will be taken to the local police station for booking. Depending on the circumstances, you may be released at the police station with a court date or be taken to the Rolling Meadows Courthouse for a Detention Hearing.
Statutory Summary Suspension: If you refuse or fail a chemical test, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended under Illinois’ Statutory Summary Suspension laws. This suspension is separate from any criminal DUI penalties.
Court Appearances: Your first court appearance, called an arraignment, will be scheduled. At this hearing, you will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Pre-Trial & Negotiations: Your DUI lawyer will review the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and negotiate for a potential plea agreement or reduced charges.
Trial & Sentencing: If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will present your defense in court. If convicted, sentencing will follow, which may include fines, community service, alcohol education programs, probation, or jail time.

DUI Penalties in Arlington Heights, Illinois

The penalties for a DUI conviction depend on various factors, including prior offenses, BAC level, and whether any aggravating factors are present.

First DUI Offense: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $2,500, license suspension of up to 12 months, and mandatory alcohol education classes.
Second DUI Offense: Class A misdemeanor, mandatory minimum jail sentence of 5 days or 240 hours of community service, fines up to $2,500, and a license suspension of at least 5 years if the second offense occurs within 20 years of the first.
Third DUI Offense (Aggravated DUI): Class 2 felony, up to 7 years in prison, fines up to $25,000, and a license revocation of at least 10 years.

DUI Enhancements and Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can lead to enhanced penalties for DUI in Arlington Heights:

High BAC (.16% or higher): Additional fines and mandatory jail time.
DUI with a Minor Passenger: If a child under 16 is in the vehicle, you may face aggravated DUI charges.
DUI Resulting in Bodily Harm: If your DUI causes an accident with injuries, felony charges may apply.
DUI While Driving on a Suspended License: This can lead to additional felony charges and an extended suspension.

Defending Against a DUI Charge in Arlington Heights

Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is essential to mounting a strong defense against DUI charges. At the Law Offices of James Dimeas, we employ multiple strategies to fight your DUI case, including:

Challenging the Traffic Stop: If the officer lacked probable cause to pull you over, the evidence may be suppressed.
Questioning Field Sobriety & Breathalyzer Tests: Errors in administering these tests can lead to unreliable results.
Reviewing Police Procedures: If your rights were violated during the arrest, we can seek to have charges dismissed.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain: In some cases, we can negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, such as supervision or alcohol treatment programs.

Why Choose James Dimeas for Your DUI Defense?

James Dimeas is a highly experienced Arlington Heights DUI attorney with a proven track record of successfully defending DUI cases in Cook County and surrounding areas. When you hire our firm, you can expect:

Aggressive Representation: We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome for your case.
Personalized Legal Strategy: Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to your specific situation.
In-Depth Knowledge of DUI Laws: With decades of experience, we understand Illinois DUI laws and how to use them to your advantage.
Strong Negotiation Skills: We work to minimize penalties and, when possible, seek case dismissals or reduced charges.

Contact an Arlington Heights DUI Lawyer Today

If you are facing DUI charges in Arlington Heights, Illinois, do not wait to seek legal representation. A DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences on your life, career, and future. At James G. Dimeas and Associates, we are dedicated to defending your rights and providing the skilled legal defense you deserve.

Call us today at 847-807-7405for a free consultation and let us help you fight your DUI case. Our team is ready to stand by your side and work towards the best possible resolution of your case.

Client Reviews

I got into an argument with my ex-boyfriend. One thing led to another and when he came close to me I pushed him away. He called the police and when I spoke to the police I told them that I pushed him without realizing that you don't have to hit someone to be charged with a Domestic Battery. Being...

E.A.

Had a DUI and hired a lawyer who lived in my building that I knew for years and trusted. Thought he was my friend. Paid him (more than I should have) and he handled my case for almost a year and totally screwed it up. I fired him and found out that he had given up his law license around the time I...

J.P.

I had been accused of doing something, by my then wife, that I did not do. I was 100% innocent and was at the lowest point in my life. My mother told me to call James Dimeas. Her friend recommended him to her. James fought for me in court and refused to back down, even when the prosecution offered...

C.D.

James Dimeas is a great lawyer who knows what he is doing and will guide you through every step of the process. He will go above and beyond what he needs to do to help you out. Sometimes I would text him in the evening or the weekend with a question and he would always respond. Really made me feel...

E.L.

I am so lucky to have stumbled upon this great attorney. I made a really stupid mistake at the worst time. I needed to get a case dismissed within 2 or 3 weeks so I could join the military. I could not leave for Basic Training until the case was dismissed and Jim made some calls and got the case...

J.S.

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