Contact a Springfield DUI lawyer from the Noll Law Office to receive immediate, expert assistance in handling your traffic violation. Our dedicated team of seasoned attorneys is committed to providing swift, personalized service aimed at minimizing the consequences of your “driving under the influence (DUI)” charge.
A DUI conviction can lead to serious consequences that can extend far beyond Illinois’ courtrooms. From the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license to substantial fines, court costs, and skyrocketing insurance premiums, the financial burden alone can be too much to bear.
Moreover, a DUI conviction can leave an indelible mark on your criminal record, potentially affecting your employment prospects, professional licenses, and personal relationships. In the most severe cases, a DUI offense can even result in imprisonment.
At the Noll Law Office, our ultimate goal is to minimize the impact of your DUI charge on your life. We are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the aggressive legal representation you need. Feel free to check out the verified testimonials of their Springfield-based clients or read through our five-star Google reviews.
If you or a loved one is currently facing a DUI charge, call us at (217) 858-2438 to schedule your free consultation or message us through our secure and confidential online form. Our team is always available to provide urgent assistance.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose the Noll Law Office
- How Can We Help You In A DUI Case?
- What Should I Do After A DUI Charge?
- Possible Consequences Of A DUI Charge In Illinois
- About DUI Cases in Springfield
- Role of a Specialized Attorney
- Working with a Local DUI Lawyer
- Contact A Springfield-based DUI Lawyer Now
Why Choose the Noll Law Office
At the Noll Law Office, we’re more than just lawyers. We’re a family with a proud history of serving Central Illinois. Our legal roots run deep, dating back to 1842 when William “Billy” Herndon, Abraham Lincoln’s junior law partner, practiced law.
Today, Daniel Noll and Sarah Noll proudly represent the fifth generation of lawyers in the Noll-Herndon family, continuing our legacy of providing exceptional legal services to our community. When you choose us, you become part of a tradition of excellence that spans nearly two centuries.
Fierce Advocacy and Personal Attention
When you choose us, you can count on experienced attorneys who will fight tirelessly for your rights. We approach every case with the mindset of going to trial, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome. You’ll work directly with Daniel or Sarah, local lawyers who truly care about your well-being.
Communication and Collaboration
We believe in open, honest communication and view our clients as valuable members of our legal team. Your goals become our goals, and we’ll work closely with you to develop a strategy that meets your needs. We’re always available to answer your questions and provide support throughout your legal journey.
A Family Helping Families
As a husband and wife team, we understand the impact legal challenges can have on families. When you reach out to us, you’re facing a real problem with potentially life-altering consequences. Our promise, “Let Our Family Help Yours,” reflects our commitment to providing not only expert legal representation but also the compassion and understanding you deserve.
Invested in Our Community
We’re your neighbors and active members of the community we serve. We live, work, and raise our families here, just like you. This deep connection fuels our passion for making a positive difference in the lives of those we represent. When you choose the Noll Law Office, you’re working with a family of lawyers who truly care about you and our shared community.
How Can We Help You In A DUI Case?
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Springfield, especially as a first-time offender, you’re likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions – fear, embarrassment, and uncertainty about the future. Questions race through your mind: How will this affect my job? Will I face jail time? Can I still drive?
At the Noll Law Office, we understand the toll a DUI charge can take on your mental well-being. Our compassionate DUI defense attorneys are here to guide you through this time, providing not only legal expertise but also the emotional support you need to face the road ahead with confidence.
Protecting Your Driving Privileges
One of the most pressing concerns following a DUI arrest is the potential loss of your driving privileges. In Illinois, you have just 46 days from the date of your arrest to challenge the statutory summary suspension of your license.
Our experienced DUI defense lawyers will act swiftly to file a petition to rescind this suspension, obtain the discovery, such as police reports or videos, and review these pieces of evidence for possible defenses.
We understand that your ability to drive is essential to maintaining your livelihood and independence, and we’ll work tirelessly to fight to keep you on the road.
Exploring Favorable Outcomes
As a first-time offender, you may be eligible for court supervision, a potentially advantageous outcome that can prevent a DUI conviction from marring your driving record.
A conviction, on the other hand, would lead to the revocation of your license, requiring a costly and time-consuming process to reinstate your driving privileges.
Our knowledgeable attorneys will carefully assess your case to determine your eligibility for court supervision and develop a strategic defense aimed at securing the best possible outcome.
Handling The Technicalities Of A DUI Charge
DUI cases are highly technical, requiring a deep understanding of both criminal defense law and the science behind detecting alcohol intoxication. Our lawyers stay at the forefront of developments in Illinois DUI case law, ensuring that we have the knowledge and skills necessary to build a robust defense on your behalf.
We understand the intricacies of DUI law and can provide honest, straightforward legal opinions to help you make informed decisions about your case.
At the Noll Law Office, we’ve built a reputation for providing exceptional legal services to clients from all walks of life, including attorneys, medical providers, business professionals, bartenders, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders.
We understand the unique challenges and stakes involved in a DUI case and are committed to delivering the personalized attention and skilled representation you deserve.
What Should I Do After A DUI Charge?
In the aftermath of a Springfield DUI arrest, time is of the essence. Your driver’s license will be suspended in just 46 days, and you have a mere 90 days to challenge this suspension or revocation. The clock is ticking, and every moment counts.
Don’t let the shock and confusion of your arrest paralyze you into inaction. Reach out to an experienced, qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss these critical deadlines.
The Illinois Statutory Summary Suspension Statute provides the following ways to challenge a statutory summary suspension:
- There was no arrest for DUI;
- The officer did not have reasonable grounds to believe that the person was driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle on a highway while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or a combination of both;
- Improper warning;
- The suspect did not refuse the tests;
- No BAC over .08;
- No illegal drugs in blood or urine;
- There was no indication of impairment on the standardized field sobriety tests (only for medical marijuana cardholders);
- The person was not involved in an accident that resulted in a Class A injury or death to another (statutory summary revocations only).
At the Noll Law Office, we’ve successfully helped countless clients maintain their driving privileges by challenging the probable cause of the traffic stop, the officer’s suspicion of impairment, procedural errors, and improperly completed paperwork. We know the ins and outs of DUI law, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact that a skilled legal defense can have on the outcome of a case.
Possible Consequences Of A DUI Charge In Illinois
The harsh reality is that your driver’s license will likely be suspended or revoked as a result of your DUI in Illinois. This can happen automatically on the 46th day after your arrest unless you take swift action to challenge it. The length of your suspension will depend on factors such as the number of previous DUI arrests and your cooperation with blood, breathalyzer, or urine tests.
Understanding the Suspension Timeframes
For a first-time DUI arrest, you could face a driver’s license suspension ranging from 6 months to a full year. If this is your second arrest, the consequences are even more severe, with a minimum suspension of 3 years.
It’s crucial to grasp the gravity of these timeframes and the impact they can have on your daily life. Imagine being unable to drive to work, school, or important appointments for months or even years. The thought alone can be overwhelming and emotionally draining.
The Effects of a Suspended License
A statutory summary suspension is more than just a temporary inconvenience; it can set off a chain reaction of problems that touch every aspect of your life. Losing your ability to drive can jeopardize your employment, making it difficult or impossible to fulfill your job responsibilities.
If you do manage to keep your job, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which can be a costly and embarrassing ordeal. Furthermore, if you’re caught driving while your license is suspended, you could face additional charges and even have your vehicle seized, compounding an already stressful situation.
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Illinois, don’t wait until it’s too late to seek help. Contact the Noll Law Office today to schedule a consultation and learn how their experienced DUI defense lawyers can make a difference in your case.
About DUI Cases in Springfield
An experienced Springfield DUI lawyer understands the life-altering impact a DUI charge can have on an individual and their loved ones. DUI cases in Illinois are governed by intricate laws and carry severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
The latest data from the Secretary of State’s office recorded over 22,000 DUI arrests, with the majority of the drivers losing their driving privileges within the relevant period. Additionally, the office said that 330 people were killed in over 1,000 alcohol-related fatal crashes.
DUI is a serious offense that occurs when an individual operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal threshold for intoxication, as measured by blood alcohol concentration (BAC), differs among states, with limits ranging from a stringent 0.00% to a more common 0.08%.
In Illinois, lawmakers have set the BAC limit at 0.08%, aligning with the majority of other states in the nation. It’s crucial for drivers to understand that the severity of penalties for a DUI conviction is directly proportional to the level of alcohol detected in the bloodstream. The higher the BAC, the more severe the consequences.
Additionally, drivers under the age of twenty-one (21) face even stricter penalties, as the legal drinking age in Illinois is 21. This zero-tolerance policy aims to discourage underage drinking and driving, recognizing the heightened risks associated with inexperienced drivers under the influence of alcohol.
Aggravated (Felony) DUI Charge
An aggravated DUI charge in Illinois needs to meet specific legal requirements. First, the state must allege that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or some other controlled substance.
The following are factors that can turn a misdemeanor DUI charge into an aggravated (felony) DUI case:
- Causing death to another
- Causing great bodily harm to another
- Driving on an expired license
- Driving on a revoked license
- Driving with expired or revoked insurance
- Having two (2) or more prior DUIs
The penalties differ based on the aggravating factors present. For example, if a person died as a proximate cause of the DUI, the penalty is three (3) to fourteen (14) years in the state’s Department of Corrections, with probation given only by a finding of exceptional circumstances by the court.
A person convicted of aggravated DUI causing death to another must serve 85% of that sentence. If two or more people were killed, the applicable sentencing range is six (6) to twenty-eight (28) years in prison.
When a DUI results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to a person, the aggravated DUI charge becomes a Class 4 felony punishable by probation for up to twelve (12) years.
Estimated DUI Costs in Illinois
In Illinois, the estimated the DUI costs can be around $18,000 on average. High-risk insurance might also bring an additional $2,000 annually for a period of three years, according to the Northern Illinois Recovery Detox Center.
Additionally, the center reported that offenders who are given jail time, community service hours, evaluations, or remedial education classes, can suffer a loss of income for four (4) weeks or more.
DUI offenders may also have to attend remedial substance abuse classes, or they may be required to receive counseling or evaluations from the courts and the Secretary of State, which can amount to almost $400.
As for the costs of driver’s license reinstatement, which involves paying for a new license and a formal hearing fee, the expenses can be around $600. Meanwhile, in situations where the offender needs to install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), the installation, rental and monitoring fee can be at least $1,400.
The center also highlighted that the medical treatment for any injuries in a DUI crash may cost more than $100,000. This doesn’t include the compensatory damages awarded to crash survivors, which may be upwards of $10,000 or more.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
Facing a Springfield DUI charge and the looming threat of a suspended license can be terrifying, but you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. The skilled defense lawyers at the Noll Law Office have successfully handled countless DUI cases, honing their expertise in this complex area of law.
We are prepared to represent individuals facing a wide range of DUI charges, each with its own unique set of circumstances and potential consequences:
Aggravated DUI: This charge applies when certain aggravating factors are present, such as a high BAC, driving with a suspended or revoked license, or causing an accident resulting in injury or death. Penalties for aggravated DUI are more severe than those for a standard DUI.
DUI Drugs: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications and illegal substances, can lead to a DUI drugs charge. Our attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of these cases.
DUI Resulting in Death: When a DUI accident tragically results in the death of another person, the offender may face charges of reckless homicide or vehicular manslaughter. These serious charges carry significant penalties, and our lawyers work tirelessly to ensure our clients’ rights are protected.
DUI Resulting in Bodily Injury: If a DUI accident causes injury to another person, the offender may face enhanced charges and penalties. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate these cases to build a strong defense strategy.
First-time DUI Offenders: We understand that facing a DUI charge for the first time can be overwhelming and frightening. Our lawyers provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to help first-time offenders achieve the best possible outcome.
Multiple (Repeat and Felony) DUI Offenses: Repeat DUI offenders face increasingly severe penalties with each subsequent conviction, including lengthy license suspensions, substantial fines, and mandatory jail time. Our experienced attorneys craft compelling defense strategies to minimize the consequences of multiple DUI offenses.
If your case is outside of Sangamon County, our lawyers may still represent you. For immediate legal assistance, you can schedule a consultation with us today.
Working with a Local DUI Lawyer
The Springfield DUI defense lawyers at the Noll Law Office are experienced local attorneys who understand how police officers are supposed to investigate a DUI case. By knowing what the officers are supposed to do, they are able to poke holes in the prosecution’s case when the officers do not follow the recommended guidelines and procedures.
We have represented many clients who have been charged with DUI in Springfield and the surrounding areas. They have a proven track record of challenging the state’s evidence and defending their clients’ right to drive.
Moreover, our local DUI lawyers can provide personalized attention and support throughout the legal process. We understand the unique challenges and concerns of the community and can tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each client.
With our knowledge of local resources, such as substance abuse treatment programs and alternative sentencing options, our DUI attorneys can help clients explore all available avenues to minimize the impact of a DUI charge on their lives.
Contact A Springfield-based DUI Lawyer Now
An award-winning Springfield DUI Lawyer at the Noll Law Office is always available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and discuss your rights. If you’re facing a DUI charge, don’t let fear and uncertainty consume you. Reach out to our compassionate and experienced defense attorneys now.
A DUI arrest can feel like a defining moment, one that threatens to derail your life and your future. But with the right legal representation and a proactive approach, you can take control of your situation and work towards a more secure future.
If you or a loved one is currently facing a DUI charge in Springfield, Illinois, call us at (217) 858-2438 today to schedule your free consultation or message us through our secure and confidential online form. Our team is always available to assist you.