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Fabbrini Law Group – Trusted Cook County DUI Defense Attorneys

Cook County DUI Defense

Judge's Gavel and Law Book

Arrested for DUI in Cook County and don’t know what to do next? Whether you’re facing a DUI case in Chicago, Rolling Meadows, Bridgeview, Maywood, Skokie, or Markham Courthouse, Fabbrini Law Group delivers local, aggressive defense for your 1st time DUI or repeat arrest. Under Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a DUI conviction can mean up to $2,500 in fines, 364 days in jail, and a long-term driver’s license suspension. If you’re staring at a Statutory Summary Suspension, we’ll file your Petition to Rescind under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1 immediately—often preserving your driving privileges before your first hearing. Don’t wait after being arrested for DUI—call (312) 494-3131 now for your free strategy session.

Local Prosecution Trends & the Critical Role of Alcohol/Drug Evaluations in Cook County

Cook County State’s Attorneys take drunk driving (DUI) offenses seriously, but their approach differs significantly depending on the district. In the Daley Center in Chicago, prosecutors often prioritize diversion programs for first-time offenders who complete alcohol education and have clean records. However, in suburban courthouses such as Rolling Meadows and Bridgeview, prosecutors may seek stricter penalties if there is evidence of a high blood alcohol content (BAC), an accident, or refusal to take a test.

Our attorneys take advantage of these jurisdictional differences to negotiate the best possible outcome, whether it’s court supervision, reduced charges such as reckless driving, or even full dismissal based on weak evidence. Since we appear in court weekly, we know which prosecutors are more likely to accept reasonable resolutions and which need a trial-ready case in order to secure any concessions.

Another important aspect of the Cook County DUI defense strategy is the mandatory alcohol/drug assessment, which is required before sentencing in most cases. This evaluation is conducted by state-approved professionals and determines whether a person is classified as “low risk”, “moderate risk”, or “high risk”. This classification directly affects sentencing, treatment requirements, and the possibility of obtaining license reinstatement.

A poorly prepared assessment may lead to unnecessary classes, prolonged monitoring, or denial of driving privileges. Our team guides clients through the process, helping them choose reputable providers and provide honest but strategically formulated responses. In many cases, a strong assessment is our most convincing argument for judges and prosecutors, convincing them that supervision, not punishment, is the appropriate course of action.

  • 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


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Understanding the 90-Day Window: Why Timing Is Everything in DUI Defense

In Illinois, the clock begins ticking from the moment you receive a Notice of Statutory Summary Suspension. You only have 90 days to file a petition for a license suspension under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1. Missing this deadline will result in the forfeiture of your right to challenge the automatic suspension.

Many drivers mistakenly believe they can “wait and see” how their case develops, without realizing that the suspension is immediate and automatic. At Fabbrini Law Group, we consider this 90-day period a critical emergency. We file a petition within days of an arrest, request information from the arresting officer, and prepare for a hearing to challenge the validity of the stop, breath test results, or the officer’s use of field sobriety tests. Acting quickly not only protects your rights, but often determines whether you can drive during your case.

Field Sobriety Tests: Are They Scientific—or Subjective?

Most DUI arrests are based heavily on standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs), including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand tests. While prosecutors present these tests as objective evidence of impairment, the reality is more complex. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledges that these tests must be administered according to strict protocol to be valid.

Minor deviations, such as giving instructions on uneven pavement or failing to demonstrate the test accurately, can render the results unreliable. Additionally, conditions like anxiety, fatigue, inner ear disorders, or even tight clothing can mimic the signs of intoxication. Our attorneys are trained in the administration of these tests and regularly cross-examine police officers in hearings to uncover inconsistencies. In many Cook County cases, challenging the field sobriety test is the first step towards dismissing the charges or achieving a favorable plea agreement.

Why Choose Our Defense Team

• We’re Reasonably priced DUI Lawyers: Flat-fee DUI defense starting at $500, flexible payment plans, and no hidden charges—ideal for anyone arrested for DUI who needs upfront, transparent pricing.

• We’re Local DUI Lawyers: Expertise in all six Cook County DUI courthouses—whether your DUI case is at the Daley Center, Rolling Meadows, Bridgeview, Maywood, Skokie, or Markham, we know each courtroom inside out.

• We’re Successful DUI Lawyers: Over 95% of our clients—including those facing a 1st time DUI arrest—secure reduced charges, outright dismissals, or full license reinstatements.

Our flat-fee structure eliminates the anxiety of unexpected bills. Unlike other firms that charge by the hour and may inflate costs with unnecessary movements, we provide a clear and all-inclusive price from the start. This includes your initial consultation, filing for a petition to rescind, negotiations with prosecutors, and representation throughout the final disposition process. For clients who are experiencing financial hardship, we offer customized payment plans that align with their paychecks or government assistance schedules.

And because DUI cases often intersect with immigration, employment, or professional licensing issues, we take a holistic approach. If you’re a nurse, teacher, truck driver, or visa holder, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences beyond just fines or jail time. We work with relevant authorities to minimize the impact of these consequences, and in some cases, we can help clients avoid a conviction altogether through court-ordered supervision or deferred prosecution.

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

    John

Our Proven Defense Strategies

  1. We conduct a comprehensive case audit, examining dash-cam, body-cam, and police reports for any constitutional violations that can weaken your DUI case.
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  1. We retain leading toxicology and breathalyzer experts to challenge calibration errors and chain-of-custody issues, ensuring your first-time DUI arrest evidence is scrutinized.
  1. We immediately file a Petition to Rescind under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1 to halt your Statutory Summary Suspension and protect your driving privileges after being arrested for DUI.
  1. We file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence from unlawful stops or unreliable tests—removing critical proof the prosecution relies on.
  1. We prepare for trial with local strategies honed in Chicago, Evanston, Cicero, Schaumburg, Oak Lawn, Skokie, and beyond—so your DUI case is defended by an attorney who knows your courthouse inside and out.

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Schedule Your Free Consultation

Don’t wait—call (312) 494-3131 for a free case evaluation and strategy session.

Common DUI Defense FAQs

I just got arrested for DUI; how do I stop my license suspension?

In Illinois, you typically face a Statutory Summary Suspension of your driver’s license 46 days after a DUI arrest if you failed or refused chemical testing. The most effective way to stop this is by filing a timely Petition to Rescind. We file this immediately to challenge the legality of your stop, the arrest, or the testing procedure, often preserving your driving privileges before your criminal case is resolved.

Will a first-time DUI in Cook County mean jail time?

While a first-time DUI carries a possible sentence of up to one year in jail, jail time is uncommon for a standard first offense with no aggravating factors. Our primary goal is to secure an outcome that avoids any incarceration, such as court supervision, which, if successfully completed, avoids a conviction on your record.

What makes your firm’s approach to DUI defense in Cook County different?

Our defense is built on hyper-local knowledge of the six Cook County DUI courthouses and immediate, aggressive action. We start by auditing all police evidence and filing a Petition to Rescind within days of your arrest to protect your license—a critical step many firms delay. We combine this with expert challenges to the breathalyzer or blood test evidence.

You mention flat-fee pricing. What does that typically include?

Our flat fee covers comprehensive representation from your initial consultation through resolution, including all court appearances, evidence review, filing the Petition to Rescind, standard pre-trial motions, and negotiation. It provides transparent, predictable costs with no hidden fees. Costs for expert witnesses or trials are discussed upfront if needed.

What are the most common ways you get DUI charges reduced or dismissed?

We systematically attack the prosecution’s evidence. Common paths to reduction or dismissal include:
– Winning a Petition to Rescind, which weakens the state’s case.
– Filing motions to suppress evidence from an illegal traffic stop or faulty field sobriety tests.
– Challenging the scientific reliability of breath or blood test results through retained experts.
– Negotiating based on procedural errors or weaknesses in the evidence.

How does a DUI conviction affect my driver’s license long-term?

Beyond the initial summary suspension, a DUI conviction triggers a mandatory driver’s license revocation. For a first DUI, this is a minimum 1-year revocation. To regain your license, you must eventually go through a formal hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State. We guide clients through this entire process, including securing a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) when eligible.

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