Waukegan DUI Attorney

Felony (Aggravated) DUI in Waukegan, Illinois.

Waukegan, Illinois defense lawyer Matthew R. Gebhardt also handles many Felony (Aggravated) DUI cases in Waukegan, Illinois.

In Waukegan, Illinois, there are many factors that will elevate a DUI to a Felony status. According to the Illinois Secretary of State, any of the following may result in your being charged with a Felony (Aggravated) DUI:

• Third or subsequent DUI (Class 2 felony; penalties vary according to offense).

• DUI committed while driving a school bus carrying persons age 18 or younger

(Class 4 felony).

• DUI resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement (Class

4 felony). Revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of 2 years.

• Second or subsequent DUI committed while transporting a child under age 16

(Class 2 felony; penalties vary according to offense).

• DUI committed while transporting a child under age 16 and involved in a crash

that resulted in bodily harm to the child (Class 2 felony; penalties vary according

to offense).

• DUI committed without a valid driver’s license or permit (Class 4 felony).

• DUI committed without vehicle liability insurance (Class 4 felony).

• DUI committed after a previous conviction for reckless homicide while DUI or

Aggravated DUI involving a death (Class 3 felony).

• DUI committed in a school zone while the restricted speed limit is in effect and

involved in a crash that resulted in bodily harm (Class 4 felony).

• DUI committed while revoked or suspended for DUI, reckless homicide or leaving the scene of a personal injury or death (Class 4 felony). Any penalty imposed is in addition to the penalty for any subsequent DUI violation.        

• DUI resulting in a death (Class 2 felony). Revocation of driving privileges for a

minimum of 2 years from the effective date of the revocation or from the date

of release from incarceration for the offense.

Source: 2013 Illinois DUI Fact Book, Illinois Secretary of State

            The penalties on a Felony DUI in Waukegan, Illinois are as follows:

Class 4 felony

• Possible imprisonment of 1-3 years;

fines of up to $25,000.

• Aggravated DUI involving injury

— Possible imprisonment of 1-12

years; fines of up to $25,000.

Class 3 felony

• Possible imprisonment of 2-5 years;

fines of up to $25,000.

Class 2 felony

• DUI — Possible imprisonment of 3-

7 years; fines of up to $25,000.

• Aggravated DUI with 1 death —

Possible imprisonment of 3-14

years; fines of up to $25,000.

• Aggravated DUI with multiple

deaths — Possible imprisonment of

6-28 years; fines of up to $25,000.

Class 1 felony

• Possible imprisonment of 4-15

years; fines of up to $25,000.

Class X felony

• Imprisonment of 6-30 years; fines

of up to $25,000.

Source: 2013 Illinois DUI Fact Book, Illinois Secretary of State

Although the penalties for Aggravated DUI in Waukegan, Illinois are far more severe than those of the misdemeanor DUI, defending the charges against you is often very similar. The same defenses stated previously can be successfully employed when challenging the merits of the Aggravated DUI charge against you.

Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony DUI in Waukegan, Illinois, it is imperative that you retain legal counsel to provide you with the best defense possible. At the Law Office of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., Mr. Gebhardt’s experience as a former prosecutor means that you’ll have access to the best knowledge and education on your side -- an informed and experienced DUI defense lawyer working for you at every step of the way. Mr. Gebhardt draws upon his prior position as a prosecutor to anticipate how the State will present their case against you. He can then determine what defenses will be most likely to prevail and concentrate his efforts in those areas.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI in Waukegan, Illinois, contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

As always, the Law Office of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. offers free consultations for anyone charged with a DUI in Waukegan, Illinois or any other municipality.