DUI Attorney in Clarendon Hills, Illinois

If you've been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), seeing the inside of a jail cell is just the beginning of your legal troubles. A DUI conviction can have a disastrous effect on your life. Given the gravity of the consequences associated with a DUI conviction, contact an attorney who can provide you with the direction and legal guidance you need to fight your DUI charges.

Serving Clarendon Hills, Illinois, Attorney Gene Ognibene offers responsive and dedicated services to clients facing drunk driving charges throughout Cook County, Kane County, DeKalb County, Kendall County, and DuPage County.

With a strong work ethic and more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Ognibene is confident in his ability to take on DUI cases and deliver favorable results. Reach out today for the dedicate support you deserve.

The Harsh Reality of DUI Conviction Penalties

Illinois has some of the most rigid DUI penalties in the nation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be subject to the following:  

• Hefty fines. 

• Jail time. 

• Forfeiture of your vehicle. 

• Loss of driving privileges (driver’s license suspension/revocation). 

• Community service. 

• Participation in alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs. 

• Mandatory installation of the ignition interlock device. 

In addition to these administrative and criminal penalties, you may also experience financial hardship due to increased insurance premiums, court costs, and problems maintaining or finding employment.  

How Can Attorney Gene Ognibene Help?

Having worked as a DUI attorney in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, for over 25 years, Gene Ognibene understands the concerns and anxieties that come with a DUI arrest. That is why Mr. Ognibene strives to provide quality legal services to every client facing DUI charges by helping them with:  

1. Examining the case. Attorney Gene Ognibene will review the police report, camera footage (if available), and other types of evidence in the prosecution’s case to find inconsistencies and weaknesses that could be leveraged in your defense.  

2. Contesting Statutory Summary Suspension. The law in Illinois requires Statutory Summary Suspension following DUI arrests. This suspension, which begins on the 46th day after the arrest at 12:01 a.m., is an administrative penalty from the Illinois Secretary of State that is independent from the criminal case. Attorney Gene Ognibene will do everything within his power to contest the suspension to help you preserve your driving privileges.  

3. Understanding the legal procedures. Mr. Ognibene can explain the legal system and interpret the relevant laws and procedural requirements that apply to your specific case to ensure you have a better chance at developing a solid defense strategy.  

4. Negotiating plea deals. Sometimes, a plea deal is the defendant’s best option in a DUI case. However, you shouldn’t accept just any plea bargain offered by the prosecution. Working with an attorney could help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your charges by negotiating a plea agreement that works to your benefit. 

5. Trial preparation and representation. While most DUI cases are resolved without going to trial, sometimes it is in your best interest to take your case to court to fight the charges.  

With the right legal representation, your attorney can set you up for success and potentially have your DUI charges reduced or dropped altogether. Find out if Mr. Ognibene’s client-centered approach, outstanding experience, and unmatched dedication to hard work can benefit your case by scheduling a free initial consultation.  

Possible Defenses to DUI Charges in Your Case

While facing DUI charges can be daunting, avenues for defense do exist. Defense strategies in DUI cases vary depending on the circumstances, but some of the most common defenses include:  

• Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop: Your attorney will argue that the police officer did not have a valid reason to stop your vehicle in the first place, which means some or all pieces of evidence in your DUI case can be deemed inadmissible.  

• Inaccurate field sobriety test: If your DUI charges are based on the results of the field sobriety test, your attorney could argue that this evidence shouldn’t be allowed as evidence due to their subjective and unreliable nature.  

• Faulty breathalyzer results: Often, law enforcement officers use breathalyzers to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the intoxicated suspect’s system. However, a skilled attorney may be able to question the accuracy of the results provided by the breath testing machine due to improper maintenance, calibration, or other issues.  

• Improper arrest procedures: The police must follow specific protocols when arresting suspects for driving under the influence. A DUI attorney will usually ask questions about your arrest to identify law and procedure violations and recognize police mistakes.  

With a reputation for fighting relentlessly and always going the extra mile to defend his clients, Mr. Ognibene will do whatever it takes to help align your legal strategy with your objectives.