Aggravated DUI Attorney in Bloomington

Your Dedicated Advocates for Aggravated DUI Cases in Central Illinois

If you have been charged with aggravated DUI in Bloomington or anywhere in McLean County, your future, freedom, and ability to drive may be at serious risk. As your aggravated DUI attorney in Bloomington, Johnson Law Group, LLC is here to guide you through every challenge. 

Dealing with an aggravated DUI accusation can feel overwhelming, especially if you have little experience with the criminal justice system. With local and state consequences that impact your record, career, and personal life, choosing an aggravated DUI lawyer in Bloomington who knows the courts, system, and available resources is crucial. 

We not only protect your legal rights but also help you minimize the stressful impact this process can have on your daily life. Our strong community ties and understanding of local agencies, like the Bloomington Police Department and McLean County Circuit Court, provide valuable insight at every stage of your case.

Former prosecutors. Free initial consultations. 24/7 availability. Call (309) 565-8825 or contact us online to speak with an aggravated DUI attorney in Bloomington today.

Understanding Aggravated DUI Laws in Illinois

In Illinois, a DUI can be elevated to an aggravated offense under specific circumstances. The law, found in Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) Chapter 625, Section 5/11-501, does not have a separate statute for "aggravated DUI," but rather refers to it as a standard DUI with aggravating factors. 

The key to an aggravated DUI is the presence of these factors, which increase the severity of the offense. A knowledgeable aggravated DUI attorney in Bloomington will meticulously analyze the specific circumstances of your case to determine the exact nature of the charge.

A DUI can carry enhanced penalties in Illinois under a few key circumstances:

• Third or Subsequent Offense: The most common way a DUI becomes a felony is if a person is convicted of a third or subsequent DUI. The third DUI is a Class 2 felony, and the fourth is a Class 1 felony. The penalties for a felony DUI are significantly more severe than a misdemeanor, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence.
• DUI Causing Great Bodily Harm: If a person, while driving under the influence, causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to another person, the charge is automatically elevated to an aggravated DUI, a Class 4 felony, regardless of prior convictions.
• DUI with a Child Passenger: If a person is arrested for a DUI while a minor under the age of 16 is in the vehicle, the charge is automatically enhanced. A first or second offense with a minor in the car is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory fine of at least $500 and a mandatory minimum of five days in jail. A third or subsequent offense with a minor in the car is a felony.
• DUI in a School Zone: If a person is arrested for a DUI in a school zone, the charge is automatically a felony.
• Driving with a Revoked or Suspended License: If a person is arrested for a DUI while their license is revoked or suspended for a previous DUI, the charge is automatically a felony.

A skilled Bloomington aggravated DUI lawyer will take on this charge with the utmost seriousness.

Penalties of an Aggravated DUI Conviction in Illinois

A conviction for an aggravated DUI is a life-altering event. The legal penalties can be severe, and the collateral consequences can be even more devastating, creating barriers that can feel impossible to overcome. 

Our firm, Johnson Law Group, is dedicated to protecting you from these severe penalties and consequences. As a dedicated Bloomington aggravated DUI lawyer, we will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life, your family, and your future.

Direct Penalties

The severity of the penalties depends on the specific classification of the offense:

• Third Offense (Class 2 Felony): A prison sentence of 3 to 7 years, a fine of up to $25,000, and a minimum 10-year license revocation.
• Fourth Offense (Class 1 Felony): A prison sentence of 4 to 15 years, a fine of up to $25,000, and a permanent license revocation.
• DUI with Great Bodily Harm (Class 4 Felony): A prison sentence of 1 to 3 years and a fine of up to $25,000.
• DUI with Child in the Car (First or Second Offense): A Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500.

These are just the direct penalties. A DUI conviction can also lead to court-mandated alcohol education and therapy, a required ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, and other fees. The costs, both financial and personal, are astronomical.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a DUI can make it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

Strategic Defense Arguments For Aggravated DUI Charges in Bloomington

Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned aggravated DUI attorney in Bloomington, we will leverage every possible defense, including:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: An officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was illegal, all evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed.
• Disputing Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): These tests are notoriously unreliable. We can argue that your performance was affected by medical conditions, fatigue, or environmental factors rather than intoxication.
• Questioning Chemical Test Accuracy: The accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results can be challenged based on issues with the equipment, the testing procedures, or the chain of custody. We can argue that a false positive was caused by mouth alcohol or that the test was not administered correctly.
• Disputing Causation: In a felony DUI case, we can argue that your driving was not the direct cause of the injuries, or that the injuries were not as severe as the prosecution claims.
• Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.
• Challenging Prior Convictions: The state must prove that your prior convictions are valid. If we can challenge the validity of a prior conviction, it may prevent the enhancement of your current charge.

Contact Us Today for Support from an Aggravated DUI Attorney in Bloomington

When you need immediate guidance and a robust defense for aggravated DUI in Bloomington or McLean County, rely on Johnson Law Group, LLC for trusted legal support. 

We listen to your concerns, explain your options in clear language, and put our team’s extensive experience to work for your defense. With our large resource pool and unwavering commitment to personal attention, you will never feel lost in the process. 

Call (309) 565-8825 or fill out this online form now to set up your confidential consultation with an aggravated DUI lawyer in Bloomington and take control of your next steps with confidence and clarity.