What Happens After a First-Time DUI Arrest in Illinois?

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in DUI

Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be frightening, especially if this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system. You may feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, and unsure about what comes next. In Illinois, DUI cases move quickly, and your driver’s license and your freedom can both be at risk.

If you live in Naperville, it helps to understand what happens after a first-time DUI arrest. With over 25 years of legal experience and a background as a former Assistant State’s Attorney, our Naperville DUI defense lawyer knows exactly how these cases move through the courts and what strategies can help protect your future.

What Happens At a First-Time DUI Arrest

A DUI arrest begins with a traffic stop. Police often pull people over for speeding, swerving, or driving the wrong way. If the officer suspects you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may ask you to take a field sobriety test or a breath test.

If the officer thinks there is enough evidence, you will be arrested and taken to the police station. At the station, you may be asked to take a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine. Refusing testing carries its own penalties, including an automatic driver’s license suspension.

License Suspension After a DUI Arrest

In Illinois, a DUI arrest triggers two separate cases: the criminal case and the driver’s license case. This is known as a statutory summary suspension. If you fail a chemical test (with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher), your license will be suspended for six months. If you refuse testing, your license will be suspended for 12 months.

These suspensions begin on the 46th day after your arrest. However, you have the right to challenge the suspension in court. Acting quickly is key because the deadline to file is short.

A First-Time DUI Criminal Case

The criminal side of your DUI case takes place in court. A first-time DUI is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, and mandatory court supervision or probation.

Judges often impose additional requirements such as alcohol education classes, community service, or treatment programs. Even for a first offense, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences, including higher insurance rates, job difficulties, and a permanent mark on your record.

Possible Outcomes for First-Time Offenders

Not every first-time DUI ends in a conviction. There are several possible outcomes, depending on the details of your case:

• Court Supervision: In Illinois, first-time offenders may be eligible for court supervision. If you complete all conditions successfully, no conviction goes on your record.

• Reduction or Dismissal: A lawyer may be able to challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, or chemical testing. If evidence was obtained improperly, charges may be reduced or dismissed.

• Plea Agreements: Some cases are resolved through plea deals, which can reduce penalties and protect your record.

Each case is unique, and results depend on the facts, the evidence, and the defense strategy used.

Contact a Naperville, IL DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI, you may feel like your life has been turned upside down. But do not let fear or uncertainty lead to mistakes. Contact a Naperville, IL first-time DUI defense lawyer at the Law Office of Philip R. Nathe. With more than 25 years of experience and a background as a former Assistant State’s Attorney, our attorney is dedicated to protecting your rights. Call 630-416-7600 today for your free consultation.