---
title: "How does Chicago DUI defense actually work?"
description: "Chicago DUI defense operates on two parallel tracks. The criminal case moves through the Cook County Circuit Court under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 and includes arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, and..."
url: https://chicagoduilawyer.net/faq-items/how-does-chicago-dui-defense-actually-work/
date: 2026-07-08
modified: 2026-07-08
author: "Chicago DUI Lawyer"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# How does Chicago DUI defense actually work?

Chicago DUI defense operates on two parallel tracks. The criminal case moves through the Cook County Circuit Court under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 and includes arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, and either a plea, bench trial, or jury trial. The administrative case runs through the Illinois Secretary of State and controls driving privileges through the Statutory Summary Suspension. A Chicago DUI lawyer works both tracks simultaneously: filing a Petition to Rescind on the administrative side, and pursuing suppression of the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, or breath results on the criminal side. Discovery includes squad video, body cam, breathalyzer maintenance logs, and officer training records. Most cases resolve pretrial through negotiation, dismissal on motion, or reduction to a lesser offense.