Aggravated DUI Lawyer in Southern Illinois
Facing an aggravated DUI charge in Southern Illinois is a serious matter—and it demands a serious defense. At Combs Waterkotte, our team understands what's at stake. An aggravated DUI isn't just a more severe version of a standard DUI—it can mean felony charges, long-term license suspension, mandatory jail time, and permanent damage to your record. If you're facing this kind of charge, we’re ready to bring our experience, urgency, and aggressive strategy to your defense.
If you’ve been charged with an aggravated DUI anywhere in Southern Illinois, call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
What Makes a DUI Aggravated in Illinois?
Illinois law classifies certain DUIs as “aggravated” due to circumstances that make the offense more dangerous or repeat behavior more severe. These are typically prosecuted as felonies and come with much harsher penalties. Common factors that can lead to an aggravated DUI charge include:
- Having three or more previous DUI convictions
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license at the time of arrest
- Causing bodily harm or death to another person
- Driving with a child passenger under the age of 16
- Operating a school bus
- Driving without a valid license or insurance
Each of these factors can turn what might otherwise be a misdemeanor DUI into a felony-level offense. That’s why it’s essential to work with a defense team that understands the nuances of aggravated DUI law in Illinois.
Penalties for Aggravated DUI in Southern Illinois
Aggravated DUI charges in Illinois are usually felonies and come with significant criminal, administrative, and collateral consequences. Depending on your charge classification, you may face:
- Class 4 Felony: 1–3 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
- Class 2 Felony (e.g., DUI causing great bodily harm): 3–7 years in prison
- Class 1 Felony (e.g., repeat DUI with injury): 4–15 years in prison
- Class X Felony (e.g., fourth DUI): 6-30 years in prison
- Driver’s license revocation for 1–10 years or more
- Permanent criminal record with a felony conviction
- Mandatory community service, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices
Judges and prosecutors take these cases seriously—and so should you. A skilled attorney can mean the difference between prison and probation.
How Combs Waterkotte Defends Southern Illinois Aggravated DUI Charges
At Combs Waterkotte, our strategy is to build your defense from the ground up. That means examining every detail of your arrest, scrutinizing the legality of the stop, and challenging the admissibility of field sobriety tests, chemical results, or breathalyzer accuracy. Common defenses include:
- Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop
- Inaccurate or improperly administered tests
- Violation of constitutional rights during arrest or questioning
- Alternative causes for impairment symptoms (e.g., medical issues)
- Proving your rights were violated under Illinois DUI protocol
When the stakes are this high, you need more than a lawyer—you need a skilled legal team ready to fight for your future.
Aggravated DUI and Your Illinois Driver’s License
A conviction for aggravated DUI almost always results in a driver’s license revocation—and unlike a suspension, a revocation means you must apply for reinstatement through a formal hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State. You may be required to:
- Install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)
- Serve a mandatory period without driving privileges
- Complete an alcohol or substance abuse evaluation
- Provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance)
We guide clients through this complicated process, helping them apply for restricted driving permits or full reinstatement as soon as they're eligible.
