First Offense DUI Lawyer in Chicago
Your First DUI Is Serious, But It Doesn’t Have to Define Your Future
If you’re facing your first DUI in Chicago or any other surrounding areas in Illinois, we can help you. You’re probably stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure of what happens next. That’s normal. A DUI is often the first time a good person ends up on the wrong side of the legal system, and the process can feel confusing and intimidating.
At Kovacevic Law, our job is to take that weight off your shoulders. We bring over a decade of criminal defense experience, real courtroom skill, and a no-nonsense approach to protecting your freedom, your license, and your future. We don’t judge you, We help you. Because one mistake shouldn’t wreck your life.
Most of the people who reach out to us never imagined they’d be facing a criminal charge. They’re good people who made a mistake and now they’re worried about their license, their job, their record, and what comes next.
We understand exactly what you’re going through. And more importantly, we know what steps to take right now to protect you.
The Immediate Impact of a First-Offense DUI
Your first DUI is serious, but it does not have to define the rest of your life. With the right defense strategy, many first-time DUI cases can be dismissed, reduced, or resolved in a way that protects your driving privileges and keeps your record clean. Our job is to position you for the best possible outcome legally, personally, and professionally.
Before we dive into the details, let’s address the questions that might be keeping you up at night:
- Will I lose my license?
- Am I going to jail?
- Is my job at risk?
- Will this stay on my record forever?
Here’s the truth: a DUI in Illinois is a criminal charge, but that does not automatically mean you’re going to end up with a criminal conviction. And it absolutely does not mean your life is over.
We’ve helped countless first-time DUI clients across Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Kane County face this exact situation with confidence, clarity, and a plan. They were anxious and unsure at first, just like you might be feeling right now, and together, we guided them through it.You made one mistake. The next step is making the right decision: put a skilled, experienced defense team on your side.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving the Chicagoland area, call (312) 344-3340.
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Frequently asked questions
Explore the key questions individuals typically have when seeking a DUI lawyer to handle a first-time DUI or DWI offense.
What are the penalties for a first DUI offense?
When people think about a DUI, they often picture worst-case scenarios: jail, huge fines, and a record that destroys their future. Yes, a first DUI in Illinois is technically a Class A misdemeanor, which means it can carry up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
But here’s the reality:
Jail is rare for a first offense. The real problems usually come from the consequences no one warns you about.
How does a first DUI affect your career?
A conviction follows you everywhere. It shows up on background checks for:
- Job applications
- Professional licensing
- Government or security clearances
- Healthcare and CDL positions
Some industries won’t even consider applicants with a DUI conviction — even if it was a one-time mistake. Employers often don’t ask for the story; they just see the charge and move on.
What is the financial impact of a first DUI?
A first DUI is costly, but many of these consequences can be reduced, or avoided, when the case is handled correctly. Beyond fines, you may face several hidden costs including:
- Court costs: Usually $1,000 or more, depending on the county.
- Towing/impound fees: Your vehicle doesn’t come back without a bill.
- Drug/alcohol evaluation: Mandatory, and your classification affects your sentence and treatment requirements.
- Treatment or DUI school: Ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- License reinstatement: After a conviction, your license is revoked for at least one year — and getting it back requires hearings, fees, and no guarantee of approval.
What difference does taking a breathalyzer or field sobriety test make?
During a traffic stop, officers may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer. Here’s what you need to know – These tests are NOT mandatory. You can refuse them. If you refuse the breathalyzer, your driver’s license will be suspended for 12 months. If you take the test and fail, it’s a 6-month suspension. So does that mean you should just take the test? Not really.
If you provide a breath sample, prosecutors will try to use that number to prove you were over the legal limit. Without it, the State must rely on subjective observations, and those are much easier for us to challenge. Refusing often gives you a stronger defense in the criminal case, even though the administrative suspension is longer.
What if you already took the tests? We can still help. We challenge the suspension first. Then we dig into the evidence: video, officer statements, procedures, timelines, and testing protocols. We review everything to find errors, inconsistencies, or legal issues that may get evidence thrown out, or get the entire case dismissed. Every DUI is different, but we will always look for the angle that gives you the best chance of avoiding a conviction.
How do I find a qualified first-offense DUI attorney?
Hiring the right attorney can change the entire trajectory of your case — not because of jail time (rare for first offenders), but because a conviction can follow you for life.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a DUI lawyer in the Chicagoland area:- Reputation and reviews
- DUI-specific experience
- Local courthouse knowledge
- Communication and accessibility
- Case management support