Aggravated DUI Defense
Fighting Felony Charges in Illinois
A standard DUI in Illinois is typically a Class A Misdemeanor. However, certain factors can elevate the charge to an Aggravated DUI, which is a felony offense under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. A felony conviction carries life-altering consequences, including mandatory prison time and a permanent criminal record.
A felony charge is not a conviction.
Common
Aggravating
Factors
Third or Subsequent Offenses
Any DUI after your second is automatically a felony.
Lack of License
Driving without a valid license or insurance at the time of the arrest.
Serious Bodily Harm
An accident resulting in "great bodily harm" or permanent disfigurement to another.
School Zone Violations
A DUI committed in a school zone while a 20mph limit is in effect.
The Stakes
A Class 4 Felony carries 1 to 3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Higher-class felonies (Class 2 or Class X) can result in even longer mandatory sentences.
Our Strategy
We don't just accept the prosecution's narrative. We scrutinize the evidence that "aggravates" the charge. If we can challenge the validity of a prior conviction or prove that an injury didn't meet the legal definition of "great bodily harm," we can often fight to have felony charges reduced to misdemeanors.