DUI Lawyer in Naperville

Many individuals find themselves facing their first interaction with the Illinois criminal justice system when charged with DUI. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in misdemeanor or felony charges involving significant fines, the potential loss of your driver's license, and the possibility of imprisonment in jail or prison. Whether you have been charged by the State of Illinois, the City of Naperville, or any other municipality, a DUI charge can have significant implications on your quality of life and ability to drive.

Seasoned Defense Attorney for Naperville DUI/DWI Cases

Getting pulled over by the police for a routine traffic violation is stressful on its own. However, if authorities suspect you of drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs, your anxiety levels can skyrocket. While facing criminal accusations is never easy, Rob Hanauer and his team at Hanauer Law strive to ease the process and alleviate the fear you may be experiencing. When discussing your case with Rob, you won't feel like just another client. We understand that your situation is deeply personal, and we prioritize your needs to help alleviate the burden of your case, allowing you to focus on living your life. When you need a skilled DUI attorney in Naperville to challenge unjust DUI charges, we are here to provide reliable assistance.

Consult With a DUI-Defense Lawyer at Hanauer Law Today

Don't hesitate to contact our firm to arrange an initial consultation with one of our Naperville DUI attorneys.

Facing potential fines amounting to hundreds or thousands of dollars, the prospect of jail or prison time, and a suspended or revoked license, time is crucial in seeking a successful reduction or dismissal of DUI or DWI charges—such as downgrading to reckless driving. We also handle juvenile criminal charges related to DUI.

Comparing DUI Offenses to Standard Traffic Violations

On a daily basis, minor traffic infractions typically encompass activities such as speeding, running a red light, and failing to stop at a stop sign. When stopped by a police officer for these violations, it often results in receiving an expensive ticket. In contrast, DUI is a grave traffic offense that carries much steeper criminal consequences. Here is the breakdown of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits in Illinois:

Drivers under the age of 21: 0.00
School Bus Drivers: 0.00
Commercial driver’s license holders: 0.04
Drivers over the age of 21: 0.08

Steps Leading to a DUI Arrest

Before making a DUI arrest, Naperville law enforcement must adhere to specific procedures, and any deviation from these protocols could lead to a dismissal of a DUI charge or a more favorable outcome.

To initiate a traffic stop, an officer must have probable cause, observing something that raises suspicion. This observation may occur during routine traffic stops or sobriety checkpoints, where the officer must witness behavior or other evidence before proceeding.
After subjectively noting potential signs of intoxication and requesting the driver's license and registration, the officer may instruct the driver to undergo a series of standard field sobriety tests. These tests assess coordination and ability to follow directions, including balance, mental agility, and eye tests.
The officer might also request a breathalyzer test, there being two types: the Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), often conducted at the roadside during the stop, and the Regular Breath Test (RBT) performed at the police station, post-arrest. In Illinois, PBT results are typically inadmissible as evidence, while RBT results may be admissible if the machine has been properly tested.
If the officer determines that the driver failed the field sobriety tests, PBT, or RBT, an arrest for DUI will likely follow.

When Does a DUI Become a felony?

DUI offenses are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies based on the specific circumstances. In Illinois, the types of DUI/DWI charges are outlined as follows:

Misdemeanor DUI

A first DUI offense carries a fine of up to $2,500 and a potential jail term of up to one year in the county jail.
Subsequent misdemeanor DUI charges may entail increased fines and penalties, including mandatory minimum jail time or public service hours.
Elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels exceeding .16 also result in mandatory minimum sentences.

A skilled defense attorney at Hanauer Law can strive to secure a reduction in charges or a sentence of court supervision, which doesn't count as a conviction on your driving record.

Felony DUI

Felony DUIs include:

An "aggravated" first DUI involving factors such as a child in the car, school zone violation, or a vehicle crash resulting in injury or death
A third or subsequent DUI

A felony DUI conviction is highly severe, with:

Potential fines of up to $25,000
Imprisonment ranging from one to 30 years
The possibility of license suspension or revocation

Get Skilled DUI Defense in Naperville

At Hanauer Law, we are experienced in effectively challenging DUI and DWI charges. It's important to understand that a law enforcement officer's observations can be subjective, and there are numerous factors unrelated to alcohol or drug impairment that could impact the outcome of a field sobriety test. Factors like a faulty breathalyzer, compromised samples, improper administration of the field sobriety tests, or errors in the lab can potentially result in the dismissal of charges against you. Contact a Hanauer Law DUI lawyer in Naperville today to protect your rights.