Buffalo Grove, Illinois Multiple DUI Defense Attorney

Trusted DUI Lawyer Defending Clients Against Second, Third or Repeat Charges in Lake County

First-offense DUIs without aggravating factors are typically charged as misdemeanors in the State of Illinois. Second-offense DUIs, while also typically misdemeanors, may result in mandatory jail time. Consequences increase greatly with each subsequent DUI offense. If you have two or more previous convictions for a DUI and you are charged with another DUI, it will be considered a felony DUI (usually a Class 2 felony).

Felony DUIs are taken very seriously in Illinois, and can result in very harsh penalties. It is important to hire a Buffalo Grove DUI attorney who is experienced in handling multiple DUI cases to represent you. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we are experienced in handling all types of DUI charges. Our Buffalo Grove repeat DUI defense attorney knows how to effectively advocate on behalf of clients and ensure their rights and interests are protected at every step of the legal process.

Defending Against Multiple DUI Charges in Buffalo Grove

Multiple DUI charges are harder to defend than first-offense charges because your past DUI convictions will predispose a judge and jury to believe that you were driving under the influence again. Likewise, sentences for these charges are often much more severe. As a former criminal prosecutor, Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt is familiar with how prosecutors handle these types of cases. A skilled litigator and negotiator, he knows how to advocate for his clients in these very challenging cases.

Wherever possible, we seek to have the evidence against our clients excluded and have charges dropped or dismissed. When the circumstances warrant a negotiation for reduced charges, we know how to obtain the best possible deal for our clients. If no satisfactory deal can be made and our client wishes to go to trial, we are always prepared to mount the best possible defense and argue for an acquittal. No matter what, we make sure our clients are fully informed throughout the legal process and help them make sound decisions along the way.

Challenging the Basis for a DUI Traffic Stop in Illinois

A DUI stop must start with a valid reason. Police officers need reasonable suspicion before they can pull someone over. This might include speeding, weaving between lanes, or ignoring a traffic signal. If the officer did not have a lawful reason for the stop, any evidence gathered afterward could be challenged.

Our attorney will look closely at the dash cam footage, police reports, and the officer's stated reason for the stop. Small details can carry a lot of weight. If the stop was not valid to begin with, the case against the driver may become much weaker.

Issues With BAC Testing in Repeat DUI Cases

Breath, blood, and urine tests are often used to measure blood alcohol concentration. These tests are not perfect. Machines can be poorly calibrated, samples can be mishandled, and officers can make mistakes during testing.

Repeat DUI cases often carry harsher penalties, so the accuracy of BAC testing becomes even more important. Our attorney can question whether the testing equipment was properly maintained and whether the officer followed the correct steps. A person facing a second or third DUI charge deserves a full review of how the evidence was collected and tested.

Contact Our Buffalo Grove, IL DUI Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know has been charged with a repeat DUI, contact our Buffalo Grove multiple DUI defense lawyer or call 847-239-4703 to schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C.. From our Buffalo Grove office, we serve clients throughout Lake and DuPage Counties. From just a small sampling of our files, we are currently representing individuals from Arlington Heights, Barrington, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Highland Park, Glenview, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Mount Prospect, Niles, Park Ridge, and Rolling Meadows.