DUI Hit-And-Run Accident Defense Attorney in DuPage County, Illinois

Defending Against DUI Hit-And-Run Charges in DuPage County, Illinois

DuPage County, Illinois, is home to communities like Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, and Elmhurst, where law enforcement takes DUI-related offenses very seriously. A DUI hit-and-run is one of the most severe charges a driver can face. Leaving the scene of an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can turn a simple DUI charge into a felony offense, carrying mandatory prison time and severe financial penalties.

Illinois law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop, exchange information, and provide aid if necessary. Failing to do so, especially when a DUI is involved, leads to enhanced charges. Many drivers who leave the scene of an accident do so out of panic, fear of arrest, or confusion, but that decision significantly increases the legal consequences.

If you have been accused of a DUI hit-and-run in DuPage County, you need a strong legal defense. Law enforcement will aggressively investigate the case, and prosecutors will seek the harshest penalties. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we fight for our clients, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the strongest defense possible.

Illinois DUI Hit-And-Run Laws and Potential Penalties

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, Illinois law requires that any driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death must stop and remain at the scene. Fleeing the scene, especially when a DUI is involved, escalates the severity of the charges.

Leaving the scene of an accident that only involves property damage is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension.

If the accident results in bodily injury, leaving the scene is a Class 4 felony, which carries 1 to 3 years in prison, fines up to $25,000, and the potential for a permanent criminal record.

If the accident results in serious injury or death, leaving the scene is a Class 1 felony, punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison. This charge often comes with a mandatory driver’s license revocation, making it nearly impossible to regain driving privileges in the future.

A DUI conviction under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 compounds these penalties. A first-time DUI hit-and-run with injuries can result in a Class 2 felony, carrying 3 to 7 years in prison. If aggravating factors are present, such as multiple victims or prior DUI convictions, the charge may be upgraded to a Class 1 felony, with sentences ranging from 4 to 15 years.

Illinois law also enforces mandatory license revocation for anyone convicted of a DUI hit-and-run. The Secretary of State’s Office will suspend the individual’s driving privileges indefinitely, making it difficult to reinstate a license in the future.

How DUI Hit-And-Run Investigations and Arrests Happen in DuPage County

DUI hit-and-run cases often begin when law enforcement responds to an accident scene and finds that one party has fled. Witnesses, security cameras, and forensic evidence help investigators identify the vehicle and its driver. Officers may also search for nearby surveillance footage, analyze vehicle debris left at the scene, and review tollway or GPS records to track the suspect’s movements.

If a suspect is identified, law enforcement may issue a warrant for their arrest. In some cases, individuals turn themselves in after realizing the severity of the situation. While this can be a mitigating factor in sentencing, it does not automatically prevent prosecution.

Once arrested, the suspect will be taken into custody, booked, and scheduled for a bond hearing. The judge will determine whether the individual should be held in custody or released on bail while awaiting trial. Given the seriousness of DUI hit-and-run charges, prosecutors often push for higher bond amounts or even pretrial detention.

A defense attorney can intervene early in the process, negotiating for reasonable bail conditions and challenging the prosecution’s case from the outset.

Legal Defenses to DUI Hit-And-Run Charges

Several defenses can be used to fight DUI hit-and-run charges in Illinois. One of the most common is lack of knowledge—if the driver was unaware that an accident occurred, they cannot be held responsible for knowingly fleeing the scene.

Another possible defense is mistaken identity. Law enforcement must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. If there is no clear evidence linking the defendant to the accident, the case may be dismissed.

In some cases, a driver may have left the scene due to immediate danger or fear for their safety. If there was a valid reason for leaving, such as an immediate medical emergency or fear of being harmed by another party, the charges could be reduced or dismissed.

If the DUI charge is based on faulty chemical testing, an attorney can challenge the results. Improperly administered breathalyzer tests, contamination of blood samples, or violations of constitutional rights during the arrest can all be used to weaken the prosecution’s case.

Why You Need a DUI Hit-And-Run Defense Attorney

A conviction for DUI hit-and-run in DuPage County carries long-term consequences, including imprisonment, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record. Without a strong defense, the court may impose maximum penalties, making it difficult to regain normalcy in life.

An attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights, negotiating with prosecutors, and ensuring that all possible defenses are explored. Whether challenging the validity of the DUI charge, disputing the identification of the driver, or arguing mitigating factors, a skilled defense attorney can help reduce or dismiss charges.

At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we have decades of experience defending clients against DUI hit-and-runcharges. Our firm aggressively fights for reduced penalties, alternative sentencing options, and case dismissals whenever possible.

Call for a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in DuPage County, do not wait to seek legal help. An aggressive defense can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal or reduced charge.

The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg provides aggressive legal representation for those accused of a driving while intoxicated manslaughter in DuPage County and throughout Illinois. We offer free consultations 24/7 to discuss your case and legal options. Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for dedicated defense in DuPage County, Cook County, Will County, Lake County, and the greater Chicago area.