Aggravated DUI

Aggressive and Experienced Aggravated DUI Defense

If you have been charged with Aggravated DUI in Illinois, you need a dedicated and experienced DUI defense attorney on your side. James Dimeas is a nationally recognized criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience handling DUI and Aggravated DUI cases throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, and surrounding areas. A conviction for Aggravated DUI carries severe penalties, including prison time, heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record. Do not face this serious charge alone—let James Dimeas fight for your rights and your future.

What is Aggravated DUI in Illinois?

In Illinois, a standard DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge becomes an Aggravated DUI when specific aggravating factors are present. Aggravated DUI is classified as a felony offense, which means the penalties are significantly more severe than those for a misdemeanor DUI.

Common Aggravating Factors in an Illinois Aggravated DUI

• Third or subsequent DUI offense (Class 2 felony, punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison)
• DUI resulting in great bodily harm, disfigurement, or permanent disability (Class 4 felony, 1 to 12 years in prison)
• DUI resulting in a fatality (DUI manslaughter) (Class 2 felony, 3 to 14 years in prison per victim)
• DUI while driving on a suspended or revoked license
• DUI while transporting a child under the age of 16, especially if the child is injured
• DUI while driving a school bus with passengers on board
• DUI in a school zone with injuries involved
• DUI while operating a vehicle without valid insurance or a valid driver’s license

An Aggravated DUI conviction can have devastating consequences on your life, affecting your employment, reputation, financial stability, and personal relationships. This is why you need a skilled DUI defense attorney like James Dimeas to aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case.

Illinois Aggravated DUI Penalties

The penalties for Aggravated DUI in Illinois vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Below is a general breakdown of potential consequences:

Felony DUI Sentencing Guidelines in Illinois

• Class 4 Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison (or up to 12 years if great bodily harm occurs)
• Class 3 Felony: 2 to 5 years in prison
• Class 2 Felony: 3 to 7 years in prison (up to 14 years for DUI manslaughter)
• Class 1 Felony: 4 to 15 years in prison
• Class X Felony: 6 to 30 years in prison

Other Aggravated DUI penalties include:

• Fines up to $25,000
• Mandatory revocation of your driver’s license
• Installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)
• Mandatory alcohol/drug education programs and substance abuse treatment
• Extended probation with strict conditions

Because Aggravated DUI is a felony, a conviction will remain on your record permanently, making it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or obtain certain professional licenses.

How James Dimeas Can Defend Your Aggravated DUI Charge

With over three decades of experience, James Dimeas knows how to craft a strong DUI defense strategy. He thoroughly examines every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and to challenge any violations of your constitutional rights. Some possible defense strategies for Aggravated DUI include:

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop

If law enforcement did not have probable cause or a valid reason to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained after the stop could be suppressed and deemed inadmissible in court.

2. Questioning the Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are not always reliable and can be subject to errors due to factors such as medical conditions, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or improper instructions given by the officer.

3. Challenging Breath and Blood Tests

Breathalyzers and blood tests must be properly administered and maintained. If there were errors in calibration, improper handling, or chain-of-custody issues, your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) results could be thrown out of court.

4. Proving Lack of Impairment

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were intoxicated at the time of driving. If we can show that your driving behavior was not indicative of impairment, it can weaken the state’s case against you.

5. Negotiating for a Reduced Charge or Alternative Sentencing

Even if the evidence against you is strong, James Dimeas is a skilled negotiator who may be able to get your charge reduced to a lesser offense or help you avoid jail time through probation, community service, or alcohol treatment programs.

Why Choose James Dimeas for Your Aggravated DUI Defense?

• Over 30 Years of Criminal Defense Experience
• Extensive Knowledge of Illinois DUI Laws
• Recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney
• Proven Track Record of DUI Dismissals and Charge Reductions
• Aggressive and Personalized Defense Strategy for Every Case
• 24/7 Availability to Discuss Your Case
• Free and Confidential Consultation

Contact James Dimeas Today for a Free Consultation

If you are facing an Aggravated DUI charge in Illinois, do not wait—time is critical in building your defense. James Dimeas is ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Fill out our convenient online contact form and you will get an immediate response.

Call Now: (847) 807-7405

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James Dimeas has successfully helped countless clients beat DUI charges or receive significantly reduced penalties. Let his experience, knowledge, and dedication work for you.

When facing a felony DUI charge, your future is on the line. You need the best Aggravated DUI attorney fighting for you. Call James Dimeas today for trusted, aggressive, and experienced DUI defense.