Springfield Illinois, DUI DWI Attorneys

License Suspension – License Revocation – Criminal Defense

Being arrested for DUI (sometimes referred to as DWI) for the first time can be stressful and frightening. You are facing a license suspension for at least three months, plus fines, alcohol education and possible jail time if convicted.

You need an experienced DUI defense attorney to explain the confusing legal process and look out for your best interests. Contact a Springfield, Illinois, DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.

The central Illinois law firm of Feldman, Wasser, Draper & Cox has been protecting the rights of clients accused of drinking and driving throughout Sangamon County since 1987. Our attorneys can explain what to expect when you are arrested for drunk driving. The process is divided between the administrative hearing and the court case:

Arrest

If your blood-alcohol level exceeds 0.08 percent, you are considered driving under the influence of alcohol.  There are also other factors which can lead to a DUI charge and arrest. People in these situations are often facing license suspensions by the Secretary of State.

Driving Permits

An attorney from Feldman, Wasser, Draper & Cox can request an Monitoring Device Driving Permit, which involves installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device or BAIID in the car you drive.

Only first-time DUI defendants may request an MDDP from the trial court. 

If the limited-privilege license granted with an MDDP, you will enjoy driving privileges to go to work, medical appointments, school, and alcohol education classes. You must pay for installation, monthly rental fee and a monthly monitoring fee for a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your car.

Administrative Hearings and Revoked Licenses

If you are convicted of DUI, the Secretary of State will revoke your license. You may then apply for reinstatement of your license or a restricted driving permit or RDP. This is an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State where you need to show that you are a good candidate to have your license reinstated. If we can show that, you may be granted a limited-privilege license that would allow you to drive to and from work, medical appointments and alcohol education classes. You will be responsible for paying for installation, rental and monitoring fees for a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your car. Once you have successly driven on a permit for a period of time, we can assist you in applying for a full reinstatement of your driver's license.

DUI Penalties

If this is your first DUI charge, you may qualify for court supervision, which allows you to avoid a conviction and license revocation. That means that if you pay the fines and attend the required alcohol education classes and complete other requirements that are often imposed, you can successfully complete the supervision and avoid the conviction. Only first-time offenders may request this court supervision.

If you are convicted of a second or subsequent driving under the influence charge, the penalties are significantly steeper. We advocate for repeat offenders by helping them seek a resolution that limits the damage to their lives, including the loss of their driving privileges.

Representation of Out-of-State Clients

In 45 states, the departments of motor vehicles share information. If you have a driver's license in another state, but received a DUI conviction in Illinois, the Illinois Secretarty of State will put a flag in the system, revoking your driving privileges in the state. Months, or even years later, when you go to renew your driver's license, your home state may request you receive clearance from Illinois before granting the renewal.

If you reside out of state and have a DUI conviction in Illinois, our attorneys can help restore your driving privileges by addressing the administrative suspension with the Illinois Secretary of State. We also represent clients who formerly resided in Illinois, and now require counsel to renew their driver's licenses.

Contact Us Today

Illinois DUI law is very complex and is constantly changing. The attorneys at Feldman, Wasser, Draper & Cox believe that every client deserves aggressive representation against DUI charges. Contact a skilled drunk driving defense lawyer at our firm today. MasterCard and Visa payments are accepted for your convenience.