Is court supervision available on a first DUI in Illinois?

Many first-time cases may be eligible for court supervision depending on facts and history. Supervision avoids a DUI conviction if successfully completed; it is not automatic.

What is a Statutory Summary Suspension (SSS)?

It’s an administrative license suspension that can begin 46 days after arrest following a test result of 0.08+ BAC or a refusal. Deadlines to request a hearing are short.

Will I need to appear in court?

Most DUI defendants must appear for key dates. Whether someone can appear for you depends on the courthouse and case stage.

What penalties are possible on a first DUI?

Outcomes vary by facts and history. Potential consequences include fines and costs, classes and evaluations, treatment, community service, and license consequences.

Which Illinois counties are covered?

Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, and Lake—common courts include the Daley Center, Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham, Wheaton, Glendale Heights, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Frankfort, Geneva, St. Charles, Aurora, Elgin, Waukegan, Park City, Round Lake, and Mundelein.

Illinois DUI Defense

First-Offense DUI in Illinois

Supervision eligibility, license-suspension (SSS) timing, evaluations, and defense options in Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, and Lake counties.

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First DUI: What’s at Stake

License & SSS

A test result of 0.08+ or a refusal can trigger a Statutory Summary Suspension beginning on day 46 after arrest. Hearing requests are deadline-driven.

Supervision Path

Many first-time cases explore court supervision based on facts and history. Successful completion avoids a DUI conviction on record.

Penalties & Requirements

Potential outcomes include fines/costs, evaluation and recommended treatment, classes, community service, and case-specific conditions.

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Illinois First-Offense DUI Timeline

Arrest → reports, video, and testing/refusal.
SSS Notice Served → SSS clock starts; day-46 effective date.
First Court Date → discovery and motion schedule.
Motions & Pretrial → stop, testing, procedure challenges.
Resolution → dismissal, amendment, supervision, or trial.
After-Care → complete classes/treatment; licensing steps if suspended.

Exact steps vary by courthouse and case facts.

Where First-Offense Cases Are Won

Reason for the Stop

Lane use, equipment, or speed basis must be supported by reports and video. Dispatch timestamps and vantage points matter.

SFST & Video

HGN, Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand require specific instructions and scoring. Video can contradict narratives.

Testing Records

Machine logs, observation periods, chain-of-custody, and medical issues are common pressure points.

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What Helps During a Fast Review

Ticket(s)/summons and any SSS notice
Temporary license or receipt
Proof of insurance
Any evaluation/treatment paperwork
Dates of prior traffic or alcohol-related matters

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Courts We Serve

Cook • DuPage • Will • Kane • Lake

Cook County

Chicago (Daley Center)
Skokie
Rolling Meadows
Maywood
Bridgeview
Markham

DuPage County

Wheaton (Main Courthouse)
Glendale Heights (Branch)

Will County

Joliet (Main Courthouse)
Bolingbrook (Branch)
Plainfield (Branch)
Frankfort (Branch)

Kane County

Geneva (Kane County Courthouse)
St. Charles (Judicial Center)
Aurora (Branch)
Elgin (Branch)

Lake County

Waukegan (Main)
Park City (Branch)
Round Lake (Branch)
Mundelein (Branch)

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Ask about your location and case type. More Illinois courts are available.

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First-Offense DUI FAQs

Can a first DUI be reduced or dismissed?

It depends on the facts: the stop, SFST instructions, video, testing protocols, and paperwork. One weak link can change the result.

How soon should I act on the SSS?

Immediately. Hearing timelines are short; missing them can make the suspension harder to challenge.

Will I need an evaluation?

Most courts require an alcohol/drug evaluation before sentencing or certain resolutions. Completing recommended treatment can be part of the outcome.

Can someone appear for me?

Some settings allow an attorney to appear without the defendant; others require personal appearance. This varies by courthouse and stage.

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