Buffalo Grove, Illinois Felony DUI Attorney

Assisting Clients with Felony Driving Under the Influence Charges in Lake County, IL

Most DUIs are charged as misdemeanors in the State of Illinois. However, felony DUIs are not uncommon. Felony DUIs can carry significant penalties depending on the circumstances of the crime and classification of the charge. If you are charged with a felony DUI, it's important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we are skilled in handling felony DUI cases. Our Buffalo Grove, Illinois felony DUI lawyer understands the seriousness of these charges and goes the extra mile to protect your rights, your freedom, and your driving privileges.

Understanding Felony DUI Classifications

In order for a DUI to be charged as a felony, one or more of the following circumstances must have also occurred:

• You did not have a valid driver's license.
• You or your vehicle was not insured.
• You have two or more prior convictions for DUIs on your record.
• There was an accident in which someone sustained great bodily harm or died.
• There was an accident in which a minor (under 16) sustained bodily harm.
• You were operating a school bus with children on board.
• You were driving in a school zone and injuries were involved.
• You have a previous reckless homicide (or similar offense) conviction.

Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt can explain the ins and outs of the felony DUI charge against you and answer all of your questions about your case. We work closely with our clients to understand their perspectives on their situation, and we guide them through the legal process towards the best possible outcome. As a former criminal prosecutor, Mr. Gebhardt understands how prosecutors build their cases.

Our Buffalo Grove felony DUI lawyer fights to build an effective defense for his clients and pursues all opportunities for dismissals, acquittals and reduced charges. He also assists his clients in the driver's license reinstatement process to help restore driving privileges.

What Are the Penalties for Aggravated DUI in Illinois?

Aggravated DUI is a felony charge, and the penalties are much harsher than those for a standard DUI. The exact classification depends on the circumstances of the case.

Many cases of aggravated DUI, like a DUI committed without a valid license or insurance, are charged as Class 4 felonies. These can carry one to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

A Class 2 felony applies to more serious situations, such as a third DUI conviction. A Class 2 felony can carry three to seven years in prison, and a judge may also order an extended term in certain cases.

These penalties can affect a person's freedom, finances, and driving privileges for years to come. A felony conviction can also make finding work or housing more difficult later on.

How Can You Defend Against a Felony DUI Charge in Buffalo Grove?

A felony DUI charge requires a careful review of every part of the case. The right defense strategy depends on the facts, the evidence, and how the arrest was handled. Our attorney can examine several angles when building a defense, including:

• Challenging the traffic stop: If the officer lacked a valid reason to pull you over, evidence gathered afterward may be thrown out.
• Questioning BAC testing: Breath, blood, and urine tests can be affected by faulty equipment, improper storage, or testing mistakes.
• Reviewing arrest procedures: Officers must follow specific steps during a DUI arrest, and errors can weaken the case.

A strong defense can lead to reduced charges, a dismissal, or a more favorable outcome at trial. Reviewing every detail of the arrest helps build the strongest possible case for the defense.

Contact Our Buffalo Grove Felony DUI Defense Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has been charged with a felony DUI, call our offices at 847-239-4703 or contact our Buffalo Grove, Illinois felony DUI defense lawyer to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.