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Fabbrini Law Group – Chicago’s Trusted Daley Center DUI Defense Attorneys

Chicago DUI Lawyer (Daley Center)

Judge's Gavel and Law Book

If you have just been arrested for DUI in Chicago, particularly in downtown areas such as the Loop and Near North Side, or nearby neighborhoods, your case will likely be filed with District 1 of the Circuit Court of Cook County. This court is located at the iconic Daley Center, one of the busiest criminal courts in Illinois, which processes over 500 DUI cases every year with aggressive prosecutors and experienced judges who follow strict local procedures. Without an experienced Chicago DUI lawyer, navigating this complex system can jeopardize your freedom, driving privileges, and future opportunities.

At Fabbrini Law Group, we specialize in defending clients in Daley Center DUI cases. Whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing enhanced penalties due to prior convictions, our experienced attorneys bring 25 years of trial experience directly to the courtroom where your case will be heard. We understand the judges, prosecutors, Chicago Police Department procedures, and the intricacies of Illinois DUI laws (625 ILCS 5/11-501). Most importantly, we know how to create a winning defense strategy that protects your driving privileges and minimizes long-term consequences.

Understanding the Daley Center DUI Process

An arrest is just the beginning. In Illinois, a DUI charge leads to two simultaneous processes: a criminal court case at the Daley Center and an administrative action with the Secretary of State of Illinois. This means you are fighting on two fronts: one to avoid conviction (jail time, fines, a permanent record) and another to prevent your driver’s license from being suspended. If you do not request a hearing on suspension within 90 days, your license will automatically be suspended. Our first goal is to preserve your driving privileges while building a criminal defense.

A DUI conviction, under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, carries severe penalties, even for a first offense. These penalties can include:

  • Loss of driving privileges for at least one year.
  • Up to one year in jail (although this is uncommon for first-time offenders without aggravating circumstances).
  • Fines up to $2,500.
  • Mandatory alcohol education and assessment.
  • Increased insurance rates and a permanent criminal record.

The Daley Center is a fast-paced environment with many procedures. Having an attorney who is familiar with these courtrooms and procedures is not just an advantage; it is essential for success.

  • Jim  was great to work with. He quickly got to know the intricacies of the case and asked the right questions. His ability to dig deep and stick to the facts was second to none. He knew exactly what was needed to bring the case to a successful conclusion. His communication throughout was great as well. I highly recommend working with Jim Fabbrini! Once againThank you so much for excellent experience!

    Magda


Read More Testimonials from our Clients!

Why Choose Our Daley Center DUI Defense Team

We’re affordable DUI Attorneys

We offer transparent, flat-rate representation starting at just $500 for eligible first-time DUI cases. There are no hourly billing or surprise costs. We have a straightforward payment plan that is tailored to your budget and can be paid in weekly or biweekly installments. We believe that quality legal defense should not be reserved for the wealthy, especially when your livelihood depends on your driver’s license.

We’re experienced DUI Attorneys

Our attorneys have appeared hundreds of times at the Daley Center, handling a wide range of cases, from routine first-time DUI offenses to complex felony DUI cases involving accidents or previous convictions. We have conducted dozens of jury trials, bench trials, and pretrial motion hearings in courts 101 to 300. Our deep institutional knowledge allows us to anticipate how judges will rule on suppression motions, how prosecutors will negotiate plea deals, and which evidence will carry weight before a jury in Chicago.

We’re successful DUI Attorneys:

In over 95% of our DUI cases at the Daley Center, clients avoid convictions, secure reduced charges, or have their cases dismissed. Even more importantly, we regularly rescind statutory summary suspensions, allowing clients to continue driving during their cases with a monitoring device driving permit. Our track record speaks for itself: when you choose us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer – you’re getting a strategic advocate with a proven track record of success.

Your Legal Rights After a Chicago DUI Arrest

Under Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-501, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if:

  • Your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher.
  • You are under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, or any combination that impairs your ability to drive safely.
  • You have any amount of controlled substances (like cocaine or cannabis metabolites) in your system.

A first-time DUI offense in Illinois is considered a Class A misdemeanor and can result in:

  • Up to 364 days of jail time
  • Fines of up to $2,500
  • Mandatory alcohol evaluation and possible treatment
  • Statutory suspension of your driver’s license for 6 months (if you fail the test) or 12 months if you refuse to take the test.

But here’s something that many people don’t realize: your criminal case and your driving license suspension are two separate legal processes. Even if your DUI charges are dropped, your driver’s license can still be suspended if you don’t file a petition to lift the suspension within 90 days of your arrest. At The Daley Center, we help our clients file these petitions right away, often before their first court date, to protect their right to drive.

  • Very knowledgeable and helpful with my DUI case. I highly recommend this firm!

    John

Our Winning DUI Defense Strategies

  1. Challenging probable cause for your DUI arrest per 625 ILCS 5/11-501: Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If your turn signal is late by half a second or your license plate is slightly obscured, these “pretext stops” are common. However, they are not always legal. If the initial stop lacks legal justification, we file motions to suppress all evidence, often leading to dismissal.
  1. Analyzing calibration logs and certifications for breathalyzer testing devices: we obtain and review maintenance records and operator certificates to expose any malfunction or misuse that could invalidate your BAC results.
  1. Complete review of all video evidence and DUI police reports: we comb through dash-cam, body-cam, and officer narratives to identify inconsistencies and craft a defense that resonates with Daley Center judges and juries.
  1. Pre-trial suppression motions for constitutional errors: we file precise motions to exclude evidence seized in violation of your rights—whether it’s an improper search, failure to Mirandize, or paperwork lapses.
  1. Proven trial strategies: We tailor your DUI defense to Chicago Police and Illinois State Police DUI arrests to make us the go-to local DUI attorney at the Daley Center: our deep experience with both city and state enforcement means we know exactly how to defend your arrest for DUI and protect your driving record.

Learn More About DUI Defense

Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation Today

At Fabbrini Law Group, we offer free and confidential consultations to review your DUI case. We explain all your options and build a strong defense for you. We are available 24/7 because DUI cases do not happen on a schedule, and neither do we. If you have been arrested for DUI, call us at (312) 494-3131 to speak with an experienced Chicago DUI attorney. Your future deserves defense, and we fight for it.

Common Daley Center DUI FAQs

My DUI case is at the Daley Center. Why does that matter?

The Daley Center is a unique courthouse with specific judges, prosecutors, and local procedures that differ from other Cook County courthouses. An attorney familiar with its culture and personnel can navigate your case more effectively, anticipate how individual judges rule on motions, and leverage local relationships and knowledge to your advantage.

What is a Statutory Summary Suspension, and how can you stop it?

This is an automatic driver’s license suspension triggered by a DUI arrest, effective 46 days after your arrest if you failed or refused chemical testing. We file a Petition to Rescind immediately—often before your first court date—to challenge the legality of the stop or test. Winning this hearing stops the suspension and allows you to keep driving, which also weakens the prosecution’s criminal case.

Your fee starts at $500. What does that cover?

Our transparent flat fee covers comprehensive representation for a standard first-offense DUI at the Daley Center, including all court appearances, evidence review, filing the Petition to Rescind, standard pre-trial motions, and negotiation. It ensures no surprise billing. Any additional costs for expert witnesses or a jury trial are always discussed and approved by you upfront.

What are my chances of avoiding a conviction?

While every case is unique, our firm has a 95% success rate in achieving favorable outcomes such as reduced charges (to reckless driving), dismissals, or court supervision (which avoids a conviction). Your specific chances depend on the evidence, but our targeted strategies—like challenging the traffic stop or chemical test validity—are designed to create the best possible path to avoid a DUI conviction.

Can I still drive while my DUI case is pending?

Yes, in two key ways. First, if we win your Petition to Rescind hearing, your full driving privileges are restored. Second, if the summary suspension takes effect, most first-time offenders are eligible for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), allowing you to drive with a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device. We guide you through the process to maintain your mobility.

What’s the most important thing to do right after a DUI arrest in Chicago?

Contact a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the details of your arrest with anyone else. Time is critical to secure evidence (like police dash-cam footage), file your Petition to Rescind within the strict deadlines, and begin building your defense before procedural missteps can harm your case.

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