Bruno Law Offices > Bloomington Criminal Defense Lawyer > DUI Defense Lawyer In Bloomington, IL

DUI Defense Lawyer In Bloomington, IL image

If you’re currently facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. A DUI arrest in McLean County can come with serious consequences, including jail time, steep fines, loss of your driver’s license, increased insurance premiums, and a permanent criminal record. Our firm is recognized for its regional expertise in Central Illinois, providing knowledgeable legal support to clients throughout the area. A Bloomington DUI lawyer from Bruno Law Offices can help you face a DUI charge without he hassle.

At Bruno Law Offices, we know how complicated, stressful, and high-stakes these cases can be, and we’re here to help. Our reputation for excellence in DUI and criminal defense cases is built on over 35 years of experience protecting the rights of Bloomington clients facing DUI charges, and we’ve helped many of them win dismissals or reduced penalties. As one of the best DUI lawyers in Bloomington and Central Illinois, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing top-tier criminal defense and guidance. We are committed to each client, offering personalized legal support and advocacy to protect your rights and reputation. You don’t need to face this potentially life-altering legal process alone. We offer a free consultation for new clients facing DUI or criminal charges. Contact us online or call our office at 309-861-9960 today to learn more in a consultation with a Bloomington DUI defense attorney.

Table Of Contents

    Do I Need a DUI Defense Lawyer in Bloomington?

    When you’ve been charged with a DUI, your future hangs in the balance. You need an experienced Bloomington DUI attorney who knows how to conduct a thorough investigation of your DUI arrest, analyze evidence, and advocate for you when your rights have been violated. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney is important for guiding the client through the process and building a successful defense. When you work with a legal team on your case, they’ll help you by:

    Guiding You Through the Legal Process

    The DUI legal process is complicated, and managing it alone can be challenging. Your DUI attorney in Bloomington can lead you through it all, helping you understand your rights and the legal system while also working to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

    Building Your Case

    Your DUI lawyer in Bloomington can analyze evidence, including police reports, arrest records, and dashcam footage, to identify potential errors and build a case for your defense. A thorough investigation is essential to building the best defense and increasing your chances of a successful defense.

    Challenging Evidence

    Breathalyzer results and field sobriety tests are not always accurate. A Bloomington DUI attorney knows how to challenge unreliable evidence and may call expert witnesses to testify on your behalf.

    Minimizing or Avoiding Penalties

    A first-time DUI conviction can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced DUI defense lawyer in Bloomington and their legal team are committed to achieving the most favorable outcome for the client, whether through negotiating plea deals, obtaining court supervision, or helping you enter a diversion program that avoids a conviction.

    Avoiding a Permanent Criminal Record

    In Illinois, a DUI conviction stays on your record for life and cannot be expunged. With the right legal representation from experienced defense attorneys, you may be able to secure a favorable outcome through reduced charges, dismissal, or court supervision.

    Our DUI Practice Areas

    At Bruno Law Offices, our Bloomington criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience representing people charged with DUI and other criminal charges. We handle a wide range of criminal cases, providing strategic legal support to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. No matter what the circumstances of your case are, we know how to protect your rights. Our team offers comprehensive support in the following areas:

    Alcohol-Based DUI

    Drunk driving is a serious charge that can require the help of a seasoned DUI attorney, particularly if your blood alcohol content (BAC) significantly exceeds the legal limit. When facing drunk driving charges, it is crucial to review the BAC reading as part of the investigation, since this evidence can be challenged for accuracy or legality. Our team has deep experience working with clients facing these charges. We know how to investigate your case and fight for reduced charges or outright dismissal.

    Whether your arrest involved a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, we’ll analyze testing procedures, device calibration, and officer conduct to challenge the validity of the charges. We are prepared to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work to counter the prosecutor’s case at every stage.

    Drug-Impaired Driving

    DUI charges involving cannabis, prescription medications, or illegal substances have unique legal considerations. They also require a deep knowledge of our state’s evolving laws, particularly with cannabis now legalized. Drug-impaired driving is a serious criminal offense in Illinois.

    We’ll scrutinize blood test protocols and impairment evidence to protect your rights, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation for each person accused.

    Underage DUI

    Illinois has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drunk drivers. That means if you’re under 21 and you are caught with any alcohol in your system whatsoever, you will have your license suspended. We fight to prevent suspensions and permanent records for Bloomington students and young professionals. We also advocate for underage defendants to protect their future.

    Aggravated and Felony DUI

    People facing aggravated DUI charges or multiple charges may have their DUI classified as a felony. That means significantly harsher penalties, including up to 12 years in prison and fines up to $25,000, depending on the class of felony. Previous DUI convictions can increase the risk of a jail sentence and lead to even more severe penalties.

    If you’re facing these kinds of penalties, you need a seasoned DUI attorney to build a strong defense. Especially so if your case goes to trial and as penalties continue to escalate. We’ll work with you to build a case and fight for a fair outcome.

    What Is an Aggravated DUI?

    In Illinois, an aggravated DUI is a DUI offense that is charged as a felony due to specific aggravating factors. While the standard DUI is classified as a misdemeanor, an aggravated DUI carries much harsher penalties. This can include mandatory prison time, extended license revocations, permanent felony records, and the risk of losing your driver’s license as a collateral consequence.

    Factors that may elevate a DUI from misdemeanor to felony include:

    • Three or More Offenses: A third DUI conviction or more automatically becomes a Class 2 felony in Illinois, which is punishable by three to seven years in prison, along with steep fines and extended license revocation.
    • Unlicensed or Uninsured DUI: If you’re charged with a DUI on a revoked or suspended license, or if you don’t have valid auto insurance, the offense may be classified as an aggravated DUI.
    • DUI Causing Great Bodily Harm or Death: A DUI that results in an accident causing serious injury or death can be charged as a Class 2 or Class 4 felony, and potentially even higher. These charges can come with mandatory prison terms and no eligibility for parole.
    • DUI with a Child Passenger: If someone drives under the influence with a child under 16 in the vehicle and causes an accident or injury, they may face felony charges, as well as child endangerment allegations.
    • School Bus DUI: Operating a school bus while under the influence is considered a felony in Illinois, regardless of whether passengers were present.

    Penalty for Aggravated DUI

    Potential penalties for aggravated DUI charges include:

    • One to twelve years in prison
    • Fines up to $25,000
    • Lengthy license revocation
    • Community service work or mandatory jail time
    • Permanent criminal record as a convicted felon
    • Mandatory alcohol education and treatment programs

    Under Illinois law, these penalties for DUI for adults are often non-negotiable. For that reason, it’s critical to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. An aggravated DUI can result in a criminal conviction that may impact your employment contract, especially if it contains a morality clause or if you hold a professional license.

    What to Do After a DUI Arrest

    Being arrested for DUI can be a stressful, confusing, and frightening experience. However, your actions in the following hours and days can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your case. It is important to act quickly and contact a legal team to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Here’s what you should do following your arrest:

    Hire an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer

    Attempting to handle a charge independently can result in devastating consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney, especially one with a background in Bloomington DUI defense, can lead you through the process and help you avoid critical errors as you look to protect your freedom. Contact one of them as soon as possible and follow their advice. Our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome and always act in your best interest.

    Write Down the Details of Your ArrestPolice officer conducting breathalyzer test on driver.

    After your release, sit down and write every detail you can remember about the traffic stop and arrest. This can include the following:

    • Why the officer pulled you over
    • What tests were performed
    • What you said to the officer
    • Whether your rights were read to you
    • Any unusual or unfair treatment by the arresting officers

    These details can be crucial building blocks for your defense, particularly when they reveal procedural errors or rights violations such as administering blood tests late. Write down everything you can as soon as you can.

    Request a Hearing to Save Your License

    As a consequence of DUI, in Illinois a DUI arrest usually triggers an automatic suspension of your driver’s license even before the case is resolved. The authorities will suspend your license 46 days after they serve you with a Statutory Summary Suspension notice unless you challenge it.

    To stop or delay this suspension, your attorney can file a Petition to Rescind the Summary Suspension with McLean County courts. They’ll need to do this within 45 days of your arrest. Acting quickly can preserve your driving privileges while your criminal case proceeds. In addition to challenging the suspension, your attorney may also negotiate with prosecutors for a plea agreement, which could help minimize penalties or reduce charges as your case moves forward.

    Follow Court Orders and Attend All Hearings

    Missing a court date can result in a warrant for your arrest. It can also severely damage your credibility in front of the judge and weaken any defense you may have had. Be sure to show up on time, dress appropriately, and follow any bail or bond conditions. 

    Why Should I Choose Bruno Law Offices?

    The DUI defense law firm you choose to represent you can be an integral difference in the outcome of your case. Don’t know how to beat a DUI? With our help, you can understand exactly what you’re up against, your legal options, and how you can build a strong defense to protect your freedom.

    Here’s why you should choose Bruno Law Offices:

    • Decades of Experience: We’ve been protecting the rights of Bloomington clients for over 45 years. Our extensive experience has enabled us to achieve successful defense outcomes in even the most complex DUI cases. That means we have a deep understanding of state and local laws that might impact your case. We know the courts and judges in the McLean County system very well.
    • Proven Results: We have a proven track record of achieving outstanding results for clients facing charges of all kinds. We dedicate ourselves to achieving favorable outcomes for every client, often fighting to reduce or dismiss DUI charges. We have succeeded in many cases and protected the rights and preserved the freedom of clients just like you.
    • Strong Communication: Our attorneys pride themselves on providing clients with an open line of communication so that they can feel connected, filled in, and confident in our ability to achieve the outcome they’re hoping for.
    • Ready for Anything: Our firm has taken on a vast range of cases, including almost every kind of DUI case imaginable. We have the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to tackle your case, whatever it may be.

    Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer Today

    If you’re facing DUI charges, the team at Bruno Law Offices has extensive experience as DUI lawyers handling drunk driving charges. We can investigate your case to help you build a strong defense. However, time is of the essence for seeking the justice you deserve. The longer you wait to contact an attorney, the harder it is to protect your rights. Contact us online or call 309-861-9960 today for your consultation with a Bloomington DUI defense lawyer. Schedule your free consultation now to discuss your drunk driving charges with an experienced DUI lawyer in Bloomington, IL.