how much is a dui hearing lawyer in illinois

by Dr. Felipe Zemlak 4 min read

The article condenses the average cost of hiring an Illinois DUI attorney for your case. The cost is typically starting at a minimum of $1,500 up to 25,000 when fighting a first time DUI charge in court with an attorney. Several factors can affect the average cost of DUI and DUI attorneys in Illinois.

The attorney fees depend on whether you accept a plea deal or take your DUI case to trial. DUI attorneys charge $700 to $1,500 when accepting a plea deal, and $1,500 to $4,000 if your case goes to trial. Also, some DUI lawyers charge by the hour. The average hourly rate is $300 per hour.

Full Answer

How much does a DUI cost in Illinois?

In addition to the raised likelihood of crashing your vehicle, causing harm to yourself and others, and being arrested, a DUI conviction can be extremely costly. With legal fees, jail time, raised insurance rates, and other factors, even a first time DUI in Illinois can cost well upwards of $10,000.

How much does it cost to hire a DUI attorney?

Criminal defense attorneys are often quite costly. A lengthy court process could cost upwards of $10,000 in legal fees, but even an uncontested plea can cost around $2,000. In addition to hiring an attorney, those convicted of a DUI also face court costs which average out to $3,600.

Are You facing DUI charges in Will County Illinois?

If you are facing DUI charges in Illinois, you need the help of a qualified Will County criminal defense attorney with experience handling DUI cases. There are multiple legal methods we can pursue to either have your charges dropped, case dismissed, or to lessen your punishment.

How much does BAIID cost for a DUI?

This technology is costly for those convicted of a DUI. BAIID costs $100 simply to install, plus $80 per month to maintain. Additionally, there is a monitoring fee of $30 per month, bringing the grand total to $1,420 for each year of BAIDD required.

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Do I need a lawyer for DUI in Illinois?

If you're facing a drunk driving offense in Illinois, it's imperative to seek legal representation. The experienced drunk driving lawyers at Ktenas Law can help you avoid revocation of driving privileges.

What is the average cost of a DUI in Illinois?

In general, the average DUI can cost between $7,000 and $10,000. In Illinois, a first-time DUI (a Class A Misdemeanor) is punishable by up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.

How much does a DUI evaluation cost in Illinois?

Drug & Alcohol Evaluation Fees Before being sentenced on a DUI in Illinois, a client will need to complete an Alcohol and Drug Assessment Evaluation at one of the courthouses in Cook County. This fee is $225 ($75 if client can bring in tax returns and proves indigency).

How much do DUI classes cost in Illinois?

The cost of Illinois DUI classes Remedial substance abuse class starting at $50 a class and counseling fees of $200. Plus, there's an additional Illinois DUI cost for drug and alcohol screening.

Will I go to jail for my first DUI in Illinois?

The first DUI offense is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois that carries jail time of up to a year and a fine that ranges from $500 to $2,500. Other consequences you could face if you've been charged with a DUI for the first time in Illinois include: Expensive court costs, fees, and surcharges.

What makes a DUI a felony in Illinois?

A DUI may be classified as a felony if certain aggravating circumstances are present. Driving a school bus under the influence, DUI resulting in serious bodily harm, DUI with a suspended or revoked license, and driving under the influence without auto insurance are all Class 4 felonies in Illinois.

How much is Bond for DUI in Illinois?

For a DUI the bond amount is either $100.00 plus an Illinois Drivers License or $300.00 cash. A low level felony will typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 however only 10% of that amount need be posted to secure the release of a defendant.

How long does a DUI case take in Illinois?

between three to six monthsHow Long Does a DUI Case Take in Illinois? A first DUI case will last somewhere between three to six months, depending on what county the DUI is in and how much litigation is involved.

Do you lose your license if you get a DUI in Illinois?

For a first DUI conviction, your driving privileges will be suspended for one year, unless you are under 21 years old, and then your license is suspended for two years.

How do I get my license back after a DUI in Illinois?

To have driving privileges reinstated, a driver convicted of DUI must:Have a clear driving record.Undergo an alcohol/drug evaluation. ... Complete an alcohol/drug remedial education program. ... Appear before a Secretary of State hearing officer.More items...

Does a DUI show up on a criminal background check in Illinois?

A DUI conviction will show up on a criminal background check unless it has been expunged or sealed. This means that employers, landlords, and others may learn about it.

Does Illinois allow online DUI classes?

Attention: The state of Illinois does not typically “online DUI classes” as a means to satisfying the Illinois Courts, Probation, or DMV for anyone who received a DUI in the state of Illinois. You will need to attend a local class in person.

How much is a DUI fine in Illinois?

Even for a first time offender, a DUI in Illinois is likely to carry a fine of up to $2500. Add to this over $500 in mandatory court costs and this is likely as much as you would expect to pay a lawyer to represent you in the matter.

What does Illinois require you to pay for when you are charged with DUI?

One thing that Illinois state law does mandate the defendant pay for when facing DUI charges is the process of a mandatory drug and alcohol evaluation. In this proceeding, an evaluator assesses your driving history, criminal history, and other factors to assign a risk level to you, which decides how severe your punishment will be.

Who is Dennis Dwyer?

Dennis F. Dwyer is an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney and Illinois DUI Lawyer with offices in Bridgeview, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois. Dennis Dwyer will aggressively defend your case. As a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, he tried numerous jury trials to verdict and hundreds of trials before judges. As a prosecutor, Mr. Dwyer prepared hundreds of police officers to testify in criminal and DUI trials.

Do lawyers charge more in Illinois?

In Illinois, you’ll find different fees for different lawyers, as you might expect. The most experienced will often charge more, but not without good reason. The more expensive attorneys are often more likely to best protect your interests, meaning that depending on the circumstances of the case, you may have the best chances to get your charges reduced or dropped completely.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a DUI Attorney?

If you have been arrested or convicted for drunk driving, it’s time to call a DUI lawyer. An experienced DUI criminal defense attorney knows what your legal options are and can guide you through this stressful period. A DUI lawyer can help you after a DUI arrest through the pretrial period and during the trial if necessary.

What Fees Can You be Charged With for DUI in Illinois?

Beyond the DUI lawyer fees, the additional cost associated with DUIs and reckless driving charges includes the cost to post bail, court-ordered fines, DMV fees, increased auto insurance rates, license reinstatement fee, expert witness fees, costs for traffic school or substance abuse education program, vehicle towing fees and storage cost if your car is impounded, property damage fees, and the cost of lost income if the DUI offender has to take time off work..

Should I Get a DUI Defense Lawyer for My First DUI?

Often prosecutors have a standard first-time DUI offense plea offer. This means they offer every first-time offender a standard first-time DUI the same plea deal, which is the lower end of the allowable first-time DUI sentence.

What Can a DUI Lawyer Do For You?

If you’re underage and you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may face the strictest penalties. Hiring a DUI criminal defense attorney for underage drinking and driving can reduce your sentence. Many states want to reduce underage drinking and driving, and thus, the blood alcohol level for minors is much lower.

How much does a DUI cost in Illinois?

With legal fees, jail time, raised insurance rates, and other factors, even a first time DUI in Illinois can cost well upwards of $10,000. It is important to understand some of the typical ...

How much insurance do you need for DUI in Illinois?

Once you are convicted of a DUI in Illinois, you will be required to obtain high-risk auto insurance. This type of insurance is significantly more costly than typical car insurance, and can cost an additional $1,500 each year. This high-risk insurance is required for three years, so that is a total of $4,500.

How much does it cost to get a new license after a DUI?

The hearing alone to get a new license post a DUI conviction costs $50. Getting your license reinstated costs an average of $500, and a new license itself costs $30. In total, it costs $580 to get your license back.

How much does a DUI course cost?

On top of fines, jail time, and community service, those convicted of a DUI will be required to take a DUI course. These types of classes typically cost around $50, with counseling fees an additional $200. In total, expect to pay around $250 in rehabilitation fees.

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

A lengthy court process could cost upwards of $10,000 in legal fees, but even an uncontested plea can cost around $2,000.

What is a formal hearing in Illinois?

What is a formal hearing? When your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked as a result of multiple DUIs or an offense involving a fatality, a DUI formal hearing in Illinois is required. At the hearing, testimony and documentary evidence is heard by a hearing officer.

Who is Dennis Dwyer?

Dennis F. Dwyer is an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney and Illinois DUI Lawyer with offices in Bridgeview, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois. Dennis Dwyer will aggressively defend your case. As a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, he tried numerous jury trials to verdict and hundreds of trials before judges. As a prosecutor, Mr. Dwyer prepared hundreds of police officers to testify in criminal and DUI trials.

How much does a DUI cost in Illinois?

In general, the average DUI can cost between $7,000 and $10,000. In Illinois, a first-time DUI (a Class A Misdemeanor) is punishable by up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.

How much is a DUI fine?

The minimum fine typically runs about $400. The ultimate cost of your DUI will depend on whether or not you choose to fight the case. If you do choose to fight the case, then you will have to pay DUI attorney fees. You may also risk losing the case, which can incur additional jail time and/or fees. Keep in mind that the cost ...

What is a DUI in Ohio?

A DUI refers to the legal offense of driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The name of this offense actually varies between jurisdictions. For example, in Ohio, drivers can receive an OVI ("operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs"). You don't have to actually be driving to receive a DUI.

What happens if you get a DUI first time?

Most first-time DUIs will also have to deal with posting bail, jail release fees (if applicable), and driver's license reinstatement fees. You will also likely experience a hike in your auto insurance premium, as a DUI classifies you as an at-risk driver.

How long does it take to get a DUI?

A DUI court proceeding can take several months, depending on the option you choose. Your attorney may opt to take a plea bargain, for example, which can often eliminate jail time and long-term suspension of license. Plea bargains can also reduce fines and replace jail time with community service hours.

How many people are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol?

Over 1.5 million people are arrested annually for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is a crime in every state to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and if you are caught driving under the influence, chances are you will receive a DUI. However, a DUI conviction varies from state to state.

How long does it take to get your license suspended in Illinois?

Illinois residents will also have their driver's licenses suspended 46 days after they've been arrested. However, if you are represented by a DUI attorney, you can petition against the suspension of your license. Typically, this means that you'll have to drive with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device.

What Happens When You Get Charged With a DUI for the First Time in Illinois?

Although the criminal penalties of a first DUI can differ depending on how your drunk driving case plays out and if your DUI criminal defense attorney gets your drunk driving charges reduced or dismissed. Here are the potential drunk driving penalties for first-time offenders:

Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer After a First-Time DUI?

Typically, a first-time DUI violation is a misdemeanor drinking offense, and many judges hand down a standard sentence.

How Difficult Is it to Get My License Back After a DUI Conviction?

The rules of the Illinois Secretary of State’s office are complex and a high rate of license reinstatement applications are denied. It's advisable that anyone seeking to get their driving privileges back after a license revocation period, particularly for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to seek legal representation.

Do I Have to Install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on My Car?

You must install a BAIID on your motor vehicle as a condition of qualifying for an RDP if:

How Do You Prove That You Are Not a Risk to Public Safety?

During a license hearing, the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) considers many factors when establishing if a DUI offender is a risk to public safety.

How Can I Get Out of a DUI Illinois?

Choosing the right DUI criminal defense lawyer for a DUI in Illinois is difficult, especially because time isn’t on your side. You probably don’t have the time to interview a ton of DUI lawyers, weigh your pros and cons, and make an educated decision after weeks of deliberation.

Contact The Skilled Chicago DUI Criminal Defense Attorneys At Ktenas Law Today for Legal Advice!

Being charged with a drunk driving offense can affect your life significantly. A DUI conviction can hinder your career progression, increase your auto insurance rates, stay on your public criminal record forever, and cause serious financial complications. You must take DUI charges seriously, even though this is your first DUI offense.

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