Schaumburg, IL DUI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Drunk Driving Offenses in Schaumburg, Illinois

If you have been pulled over by police, asked to take field sobriety tests or blow into a portable breath testing device, and arrested for intoxicated driving, you may be unsure about what to do next. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can have life-changing consequences, and you may worry that there is nothing you can do to prevent the loss of your driver's license or other serious penalties. Fortunately, you have options, and with the help of a skilled attorney, you can defend against a DUI conviction.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our lawyers provide representation for people who have been arrested for DUI in Schaumburg. We understand the laws that apply in these cases and the defense strategies that are most likely to be successful. We will advocate on your behalf, working to protect your rights and help you resolve your case in a way that will minimize the effects on your life and help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience, and we have successfully defended clients in thousands of cases involving charges of DUI and other criminal offenses. Our cases have involved high-profile clients such as politicians, doctors, and well-known athletes and musicians. Our lawyers have won numerous awards, and we have appeared in media outlets throughout the country, including TV shows and newspapers. With our knowledge, skills, and experience, we can provide the defense you need, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrest.

Attorney Spotlight

Attorney Spotlight

Donald Ramsell

Attorney Profile

Donald Ramsell is the author of leading publications on DUI defense in Illinois and has defended more than 10,000 DUI cases. Over the course of his career, he has represented clients in more than 500 bench trials and 100 jury trials, and he has even 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

Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Schaumburg

Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-501), a first-time DUI is typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a potential jail sentence of up to one year, as well as a maximum fine of $2,500. A conviction will also result in the revocation of your driver's license for at least one year.

While jail time is not mandatory for most first offenses, the loss of driving privileges can have a profound impact on your daily life. You may need to be able to drive to commute to work, run errands, and transport your family members, and the inability to drive can disrupt your life significantly. However, you may qualify for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), which will allow you to continue driving after installing a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in your vehicle. Our lawyers can help you take steps to minimize the impact of a first DUI charge, defending against a conviction and helping you regain your driving privileges.

Increased Penalties for Subsequent DUI Charges

Illinois law imposes harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders. Like a first-time DUI, a second DUI charge is typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, a conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five days in jail or 240 hours of community service. If you are convicted, your driver's license may be revoked for a minimum of five years.

A third DUI offense is classified as a Class 2 felony, carrying potential prison time of 3 to 7 years, fines up to $25,000, and a 10-year license revocation. Fourth or subsequent DUI offenses are also felonies, with prison sentences that increase with each conviction. In these cases, a conviction may lead to a lifetime revocation of driving privileges.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we understand the seriousness of the penalties that may apply if you are charged with DUI following a previous conviction. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to build a strong defense for you. We will identify procedural errors that were committed during your case or violations of your rights by law enforcement. We can also help you explore alternative sentencing options that may help you minimize the effects on your life, regain your driver's license, and limit the impact on your criminal record.

When Is DUI Charged as a Felony?

In certain circumstances, felony charges may apply following a DUI arrest, even if you have never been convicted of DUI in the past. As mentioned, a third or subsequent DUI will result in felony charges, but a case involving certain aggravating factors may also be classified as a felony. These factors may include:

• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Causing serious injury or death while driving under the influence
• Having a child passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle
• Driving a school bus while intoxicated when at least one child under the age of 18 is a passenger
• Driving a for-hire vehicle, including a taxi or rideshare vehicle, while intoxicated
• Injuring someone in a collision that took place while driving in a school zone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Convictions for felony DUI charges are more likely to lead to long prison sentences, heavy fines, and other long-term consequences. Our lawyers will carefully evaluate every detail of an aggravated DUI case to determine the strongest possible defense strategy.

Representation in Cook County Courts

Following a DUI arrest in Schaumburg, the proceedings in a person's case will typically be held at the Cook County Courthouse in Rolling Meadows, located at:

• 2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

We serve clients from our office in Schaumburg, located at:

• 1900 E. Golf Road, Suite 950R, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Field Sobriety and Chemical Testing in DUI Cases

In many cases, DUI charges will hinge on the results of tests performed by police officers during a traffic stop or after an arrest. Our attorneys can help address the following types of tests that may play a role in DUI cases:

• Field Sobriety Tests: These roadside tests are meant to help police officers determine whether a driver is intoxicated. However, they are highly subjective, and in many cases, officers will be looking for any possible reason to arrest someone. Factors such as poor road conditions, harsh weather, medical issues, or nervousness may cause a person to "fail" even if they are not impaired. Our lawyers can challenge these tests.
• Breath Tests: After an arrest, a person may be asked to take a breathalyzer test that measures their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated and maintained. Incorrect procedures, faulty equipment, or other issues can lead to inaccurate results. Our attorneys can review maintenance records and other factors to determine whether the results of a breath test can be challenged.
• Blood and Urine Tests: Drivers may also be asked to provide blood or urine samples that will be tested by labs to determine their BAC. These tests require strict handling procedures. Breaks in the chain of custody or improper lab analysis can lead to flawed results. Our lawyers will take steps to challenge these tests and question their accuracy.

Our attorneys can also look at whether law enforcement officers had probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, whether they followed the proper procedures during an arrest, and whether a person's constitutional rights were violated. We can help determine the best defense strategies to help prevent a DUI conviction and resolve a case while minimizing the ways our client will be affected.

Contact Our Schaumburg DUI Defense Attorneys

Because the penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe, it is important to secure legal representation from an attorney who has experience representing clients in these types of cases. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have a record of success in complex criminal cases, and we can provide the legal help you need to defend against a conviction. Contact our Schaumburg, IL DUI lawyers by calling 847-465-8743 and setting up a free consultation. We are ready to help you address DUI charges and take steps to restore your driving privileges as quickly as possible.