Waukegan, IL DUI Defense Lawyer

Knowledgeable DUI Defense Attorney for Clients in Waukegan, Illinois

A drunk driving charge should not be taken lightly, whether it is your first offense or a repeat charge. If convicted, you could be fined, stripped of your driving privileges, and possibly incarcerated. To protect your rights and fight the charge in court, reach out to a Waukegan, IL drunk driving defense lawyer today.

Attorney Theodore Potkonjak of Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak has over four decades of legal experience, giving him a strong foundation of knowledge in practicing criminal defense. Our firm can assess the charges against you and determine your best courses of action, working toward a favorable outcome through skilled negotiation and unrelenting advocacy.

How Serious Is a DUI Charge in Waukegan?

A charge of DUI arises when an individual operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, or while impaired by drugs. Even if your blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit, you could still face criminal prosecution if you are judged to be incapable of driving safely. Under Illinois law, implied consent rules require drivers to submit to chemical testing after being detained. Refusal carries separate penalties, including a minimum one-year license suspension on a first refusal.

A first-offense DUI without aggravating factors is a Class A misdemeanor. Sentences may include up to one year in county jail, fines of up to $2,500, and a driver's license suspension of at least six months. In addition, the court can order attendance at a court-approved alcohol education program and may require installation of an ignition interlock device.

A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record, potentially raising insurance premiums and affecting employment opportunities. Repeat offenses draw harsher penalties, including longer jail terms, increased fines, extended periods of ignition interlock, and longer license suspensions.

What Is Aggravated DUI?

Aggravated DUI elevates a standard DUI charge into a felony when certain conditions apply. In Illinois, aggravating circumstances include having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 percent or higher, transporting minors under age 16, causing bodily harm or death in an accident, or driving under the influence on a revoked or suspended license.

Felony convictions can trigger mandatory license revocation, lengthy sentences of incarceration, and a permanent criminal record that can severely impact housing, professional licensing, and civil rights. As such, it is critical that you work with a skilled attorney who can challenge an aggravated DUI charge and work to protect your future.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Contest a DUI Charge

Contesting a DUI requires meticulous attention to procedure, evidence, and negotiation. An experienced Waukegan criminal defense attorney can tailor defense strategies to the unique facts of each case:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop by examining whether officers had reasonable suspicion of impaired driving or a traffic violation
• Scrutinizing field sobriety tests for errors in procedure
• Reviewing chemical testing protocols to ensure that the equipment was properly maintained, calibrated, and operated by certified personnel
• Verifying the chain of custody to uncover potential tampering or contamination.
• Investigating medical conditions, dietary factors, or prescription medications that may produce false positives or affect blood alcohol readings
• Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, including diversion programs, probation, community service, or treatment plans, especially for first-time offenders with no aggravating factors

By leveraging these strategies, a dedicated attorney can work to have charges reduced or dismissed, preserve driving privileges, and protect personal and professional interests throughout the criminal process. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Potkonjak understands how to build an effective case for people accused of DUI in Waukegan.

Meet With a Waukegan, IL DUI Defense Attorney

At Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, we understand just how serious a DUI charge can be. If you have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving or a similar traffic offense, reach out to our firm today. To arrange a complimentary consultation, call our office at 847-263-1200 or contact our Waukegan drunk driving defense lawyer. We serve clients throughout Lake County, McHenry County, Cook County, and DuPage County.