---
title: "What is the process for a first-time Illinois DUI offender?"
description: "A first-time Illinois DUI runs through two parallel processes. The criminal case starts with arrest, bond, and arraignment in the Cook County Circuit Court, followed by pretrial motions, discovery,..."
url: https://chicagoduilawyer.net/faq-items/what-is-the-process-for-a-first-time-illinois-dui-offender/
date: 2026-07-08
modified: 2026-07-08
author: "Chicago DUI Lawyer"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# What is the process for a first-time Illinois DUI offender?

A first-time Illinois DUI runs through two parallel processes. The criminal case starts with arrest, bond, and arraignment in the Cook County Circuit Court, followed by pretrial motions, discovery, and either a plea, bench trial, or jury trial under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. The administrative case triggers the Statutory Summary Suspension on day 46, which the driver can challenge by filing a Petition to Rescind under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1. First-time offenders are typically eligible for **court supervision** under 730 ILCS 5/5-6-1(c), which avoids a formal conviction if all conditions are met. Required conditions include an alcohol evaluation, DUI risk education, community service, victim impact panel attendance, and successful completion of the supervision period.