2026 Top Rated Chicago DUI Lawyer
Free Case Review

EMAIL

An Illinois DUI creates two separate legal proceedings that run on different timelines with different burdens of proof. The criminal case is prosecuted by the Cook County State's Attorney under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 and requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Outcomes include conviction, court supervision, or dismissal, with penalties like fines, jail, and probation. The administrative case is run by the Illinois Secretary of State under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1 and controls driving privileges. It only requires probable cause and produces the Statutory Summary Suspension. A driver can beat the criminal case and still lose their license through the administrative track, or vice versa. Both cases require independent attention, and the deadlines for challenging each are different.

Published July 8, 2026 | Chicago DUI Information