Wheeling DUI Defense Lawyers

DUI Defense Lawyers Handling Alcohol and Drug-Related Charges in Wheeling, Illinois

A DUI charge in Illinois can involve alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Each case is different. The evidence does not always tell the full story. Police officers rely on traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results to support their charges. However, mistakes during an investigation can weaken the prosecution's case. Understanding your rights and the evidence against you is an important part of building a defense.

Since 1986, Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. has represented Illinois drivers. Attorneys Donald Ramsell and Jason M. Kunowski handle DUI cases among other criminal defense issues. We provide free consultations, and we are available 24/7.

Understanding DUI License Suspensions in Illinois

You can lose your driving privileges before your DUI case goes to trial. In Illinois, refusing a chemical test or testing over the legal limit can lead to a statutory summary suspension. For a first offender, failing a test usually results in a six-month suspension. Refusing the test leads to a 12-month suspension. These penalties begin on the 46th day after you receive notice.

You have 90 days to file a petition asking the court to cancel the suspension. During the hearing, the judge will review whether police had a legal reason for the arrest and followed the required procedures. Filing the petition will not stop the suspension from taking effect. Our attorneys can help you challenge the suspension while also defending against criminal charges for DUI. You can also learn more about this process in our DUI client handbook.

DUI Charges Involving Cannabis and Prescription Drugs in Wheeling

Recreational cannabis is legal for adults in Illinois. However, driving while impaired remains illegal. In Illinois, you can face DUI charges if your THC level reaches five nanograms per milliliter of blood. The limit is 10 nanograms for other qualifying bodily substances. These limits apply to tests taken within two hours of driving.

An exception applies to qualifying medical cannabis patients with valid registry cards unless they are impaired. Drivers can also face DUI charges when below those THC limits if prosecutors prove impairment.

Prescription medications present different issues. Illinois' any-amount rule applies to certain drugs resulting from unlawful use. However, a valid prescription does not excuse driving while impaired. Our attorneys can examine laboratory results and officer observations to determine whether the evidence supports DUI charges.

Attorney Spotlight

Attorney Spotlight

Donald Ramsell

Attorney Profile

Donald Ramsell is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney who has represented clients in more than 500 bench trials and 100 jury trials. He is the author of leading publications on DUI defense in Illinois, and he has defended more than 10,000 DUI cases. He has handled numerous appeals in Illinois, and he also argued a case before the United States Supreme Court.

• National College of DUI Defense, Sustaining Member
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, National Trial Lawyers
• Super Lawyers
• Elite Lawyer
• Leading Lawyers

Illinois Zero-Tolerance Rules for Drivers Under 21

Illinois has stricter alcohol rules for drivers younger than 21. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to license suspension. A first zero-tolerance violation carries a three-month suspension for a positive test. Refusing testing will lead to a six-month suspension. A second violation carries a one-year suspension for a positive test or two years for refusal. Underage drivers can also face criminal DUI charges when their alcohol level reaches 0.08 or if prosecutors establish impairment.

Challenging Breath Test Evidence in Cook County, Illinois

Police often rely on breath test results when deciding whether to pursue DUI charges. Illinois requires evidentiary breath testing equipment to undergo accuracy checks at least every 62 days. Officers must also observe the driver continuously for at least 20 minutes before testing. During this period, the driver must not consume alcohol, introduce foreign substances into the mouth, or vomit.

Problems such as acid reflux or improper testing procedures can raise questions about the results. Our attorneys will review equipment records, police reports, and available video to identify possible errors. This careful approach to challenging DUI evidence reflects the experience of Attorney Ramsell. He has written publications on Illinois DUI defense and received Illinois Leading Lawyer recognition in Criminal-DUI Defense.

Restoring Driving Privileges After DUI Revocation in Wheeling, Illinois

A DUI conviction will result in a driver's license revocation. Unlike a suspension, a revocation does not end simply because a set period has passed. To regain your driving privileges, you must meet the Illinois Secretary of State's requirements. These include an alcohol and drug evaluation and the completion of any required treatment.

Drivers with one DUI disposition can usually attend an informal hearing. Multiple DUI dispositions or certain offenses involving a death will require a formal hearing. Some drivers may qualify for a restricted driving permit before full reinstatement. This permit can require a breath alcohol ignition interlock device. Our attorneys help clients prepare for hearings, making sure they understand the steps needed to regain their driving privileges.

Contact Our Wheeling, IL DUI Defense Attorneys

Attorney Ramsell brings extensive legal experience and professional recognition to our DUI defense practice. He has argued an Illinois DUI case before the United States Supreme Court and received the Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award from the National Trial Lawyers. He has also earned Illinois Super Lawyers recognition and served as the president of the DuPage County Bar Association.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we use this experience to examine the evidence, challenge DUI charges, and protect our clients' rights. Our commitment to providing strong legal representation has helped us earn more than 200 five-star reviews from our clients. Contact our Wheeling DUI defense lawyers at 630-786-6062 to schedule a free consultation.