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Champaign-Urbana Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

DUI penalties escalate rapidly if you have two or more prior convictions. A third DUI offense is a felony in Illinois. If you are convicted, in addition to potentially losing your driving privileges, you will lose your right to vote and your right to possess guns and ammunition. A fourth DUI requires a mandatory term of imprisonment to the Illinois Department of Corrections. Probation is not an option on a fourth DUI. To protect your rights and your future, you should contact an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At Patel Law, PC, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and possible defenses. Attorney Baku N. Patel is a former Champaign County and Vermilion County senior prosecutor who understands DUI charges from both a prosecution and defense point of view. In addition, as a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General, he has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases. He has the experience you need to defend your rights. If charged with a felony aggravated DUI, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side.

DUI Penalties in Illinois if You Have Prior Convictions

The following chart summarizes the penalties for multiple DUI convictions in Illinois.

DUI OffensePenalties
Third offense
  • Class 2 felony (aggravated DUI)
  • Minimum 10-year loss of full driving privileges
  • Ignition interlock* required for restricted driving privileges
  • Possible three to seven years in prison. You may be able to avoid jail time by wearing a SCRAM bracelet**
  • Up to $25,000 fine
Fourth offense
  • Class 2 felony (aggravated DUI)
  • Your driver's license will be revoked for life with no restricted driving privileges
  • Possible three to seven years in prison
  • Up to $25,000 fine
Fifth offense
  • Class 1 felony (aggravated DUI)
  • Possible four to 15 years in prison
  • Up to $25,000 fine
Sixth or subsequent offense
  • Class X felony (aggravated DUI)
  • Possible six to 30 years in prison
  • Up to $25,000 fine

There are defenses to DUI charges. Mr. Patel has the experience to go to trial and defend your rights if prosecutors do not make a reasonable offer.

Contact an Aggravated DUI Lawyer Serving Danville, Decatur and Champaign-Urbana

To schedule a free consultation about your DUI case, call Champaign-Urbana felony DUI defense attorney Baku Patel at 217-903-4867 (888-341-0748 toll free) or complete our online contact form. We have offices in Champaign-Urbana, Danville and Decatur.

*You may have the option of wearing a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) ankle bracelet in lieu of jail time.

**If your driver's license has been suspended for DUI in Illinois, you may be able to obtain a restricted driving permit by having a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed on your vehicle. The BAIID, combined with a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), will allow you to drive any time during your suspension period.