Arlington Heights DUI Defense Lawyers

Experienced DUI Defense Attorneys Protecting Drivers' Rights in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Police officers often rely on field sobriety tests, breath test results, and their own observations when making a DUI arrest. However, this evidence is not always reliable. Testing errors can call the results into question. Improper police procedures can weaken a case. Conflicting reports can also raise questions about the charges. A careful review of the evidence can help identify defenses and determine the best way to approach your case.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have defended Illinois drivers since 1986. Attorney Donald Ramsell has argued an Illinois DUI case before the United States Supreme Court, a distinction no other Illinois DUI defense attorney has achieved. We bring that level of experience to every case, and we work to help clients understand their rights and build a strong defense. Our firm is available 24/7, and we offer free consultations to discuss your legal options.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Arlington Heights

DUI arrests in Arlington Heights often follow traffic stops along Route 53, Rand Road, or Northwest Highway. After an arrest, police can arrange for your vehicle to be towed when the law allows it. Municipalities can charge administrative fees for certain DUI-related impoundments. These are separate from towing and storage costs.

You will also face two separate legal matters. One concerns your driving privileges, while the other involves the criminal charge of DUI. A failed or refused chemical test can trigger a statutory summary suspension of your driver's license. The criminal case will determine whether you are guilty of DUI. Our attorneys can help address both matters and protect your rights.

Attorney Spotlight

Attorney Spotlight

Donald Ramsell

Attorney Profile

Donald Ramsell is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney who has represented clients in more than 500 bench trials and 100 jury trials. He is the author of leading publications on DUI defense in Illinois, and he has defended more than 10,000 DUI cases. He has handled numerous appeals in Illinois, and he also argued a case before the United States Supreme Court.

• National College of DUI Defense, Sustaining Member
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, National Trial Lawyers
• Super Lawyers
• Elite Lawyer
• Leading Lawyers

Evidence Our Arlington Heights DUI Lawyers Review

The evidence collected during a DUI investigation can reveal problems with the traffic stop, arrest, or testing procedures. Our attorneys can request and examine records such as:

• Dispatch and 911 records: These can show why police stopped your vehicle and what witnesses reported.
• Police videos: Squad car and booking recordings can reveal differences between an officer's report and what happened.
• Officer training records: These can help determine whether field sobriety tests were given and scored correctly.
• Breath testing records: Maintenance and certification logs can reveal equipment problems or testing errors.
• Blood testing records: Laboratory reports can show how samples were collected, stored, and analyzed.

Problems with this evidence can provide grounds to challenge test results or other evidence. In some cases, they can also create reasonable doubt at trial. You can review our case results to learn more about our previous work.

Blood Testing After Refusing a DUI Chemical Test

Refusing a chemical test does not always prevent police from obtaining a blood sample. Officers can seek a search warrant when they have sufficient legal grounds.

Illinois law also addresses chemical testing after crashes involving serious injuries or death. However, police still must comply with constitutional search requirements. A warrant or a recognized exception is necessary for a nonconsensual blood draw.

Refusing a test can also lead to a longer driver's license suspension. Prosecutors can introduce evidence of your refusal during the criminal case. Our attorneys will examine whether police followed the law when requesting testing, obtaining warrants, and collecting blood samples.

Financial Consequences of an Illinois DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction can lead to expenses beyond court fines. Illinois requires an alcohol and drug evaluation before sentencing. The court can also order classes, counseling, or treatment, which can add to your costs.

A conviction will also result in a driver's license revocation. Getting your license back can involve hearings, fees, and proof of insurance. Many drivers must carry SR-22 insurance for three years, which can increase their premiums.

Our DUI client handbook explains what to expect during the legal process. We also represent clients facing other criminal defense matters throughout Cook County.

Preparing for a DUI Trial in Cook County

Not every DUI case needs to go to trial. Some cases can be resolved through negotiations. Others may require a judge or jury to review the evidence. You have the right to choose a jury trial or a bench trial. In a jury trial, jurors decide whether prosecutors proved the charge. In a bench trial, the judge makes that decision.

Our attorneys will evaluate the evidence before recommending how to proceed. We will prepare for trial by reviewing witness statements, challenging unreliable testing, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Attorney Ramsell's experience in DUI defense has earned him the Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award from the National Trial Lawyers. He has also written publications on Illinois DUI law, sharing his knowledge with other legal professionals. To learn more about working with our firm, you can read our testimonials from past clients.

Contact Our Arlington Heights, Illinois DUI Defense Lawyers

Choosing a DUI defense attorney means finding someone who understands both the law and the evidence used in these cases. Our firm's work has received national attention. Our attorneys have appeared on ABC's 20/20 and The Oprah Winfrey Show. They have also been featured in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and The Washington Post.

Attorney Ramsell has earned Illinois Super Lawyers recognition, and our firm has received more than 200 five-star reviews from clients. We use this experience to help drivers understand their options and prepare a strong defense.

Contact our Arlington Heights, IL DUI defense lawyers at 630-786-6062 for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.