A Cook County DUI trial typically spans one to three court days for a bench trial and two to five for a jury trial. Pre-trial motions consume weeks to months prior. Total timeline from arrest to trial ranges 8 to 14 months on misdemeanor DUI and 12 to 24 months on aggravated felony DUI. The trial itself follows opening statements, State's case (arresting officer, chemical evidence, sometimes DRE testimony), defense case (frequently including expert witnesses on chemical testing), closing arguments, jury instructions, and verdict. The chicagoduilawyer.net brand structures every trial calendar around the summary suspension hearing outcome, which often reshapes negotiation posture.
