2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 8
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Springfield DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Why choose this provider?
Harvatin Law Offices PC is a firm based in Springfield that exclusively handles cases involving DUI and traffic law felonies and misdemeanors. A core part of the firm's experience is in helping local and out-of-state drivers get their licenses reinstated after serving their DUI sentences. Attorney Theodore J. Harvatin is a 1981 University of Illinois College of Law graduate and member of the National College of DUI Defense and Sangamon County Bar Association.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Theodore Harvatin - Principal | Active | 43 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.3 (3)
Why choose this provider?
Founded in the 1980s, Cherry, Frazier & Sabin LLP is a firm of DUI lawyers in Springfield with more than 100 years of combined experience defending clients in Illinois' state, federal, appellate, and supreme courts. They handle the full spectrum of DUI law, from representing first-offenders and repeat offenders to defending those charged with causing accidents, serious injuries, and death while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The firm also practices family law, criminal defense, and personal injury law.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Diana Cherry - Partner | Active | 48 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.9 (47)
Why choose this provider?
Vig Law PC is a small firm of criminal and DUI defense attorneys in Springfield, serving clients in Sangamon County and the surrounding counties. Their defense of each client typically includes questioning the officer's right to stop the vehicle and if she or he followed NHTSA standards during the incident. The firm includes attorneys licensed to practice in all state courts, the federal courts of the Central District, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
William Vig - Partner | Active | 20 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Located in Springfield, Wykoff Law Office LLC practices DUI law throughout the state. Its clients are typically first and repeat offenders, holders of CDL licenses, and those under 21 charged with having traces of alcohol or drugs in their systems. Attorney Wykoff is licensed to practice in Illinois' state courts and federal courts for the Central and Southern Districts. He is a member of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Mark Wykoff - Principal | Active | 17 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (9)
Why choose this provider?
Grimaldi Law Office is a solo practice near Springfield that exclusively practices DUI, criminal defense, and traffic law. Attorney James Grimaldi has been practicing law since 2004, with much of his experience being defending people charged with their first, second, or third DUI offense in Central Illinois. He also defends clients charged with causing accidents while intoxicated. Mr. Grimaldi is a member of the National College for DUI Defense Attorneys and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
James Grimaldi - Principal | Active | 19 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 4.9 (36)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Gates, Wise, Schlosser & Goebel is a firm of DUI attorneys in Springfield who share more than 75 years of combined legal experience. Founding partner Peter Wise, a 1984 John Marshall Law School graduate, often handles DUI cases and has significant trial experience handling serious ones, such as DUI with injury and vehicular manslaughter. The attorney is a member of the Sangamon County Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Frederick Schlosser - Partner | Active | 32 yrs |
Todd Goebel - Partner | Active | 23 yrs |
Gordon Gates - Managing Partner | Active | 38 yrs |
D. Wise - Founding Partner | Active | 40 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Founded back in 1828, Brown, Hay + Stephens is a firm of DUI lawyers in Springfield with many years of experience defending people arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It also has extensive experience helping people get their revoked licenses back after being convicted of DUI. The firm's additional areas of practice include criminal defense, estate planning, probate, trust, and real estate law.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Daniel Fultz - Partner | Active | 20 yrs |
Roland Cross - Partner | Active | 23 yrs |
Charles Davis - Managing Partner | Active | 19 yrs |
Lorilea Buerkett - Partner | Active | 31 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, is a solo practice based in Springfield. Attorney Hanken is a criminal and DUI defense lawyer with more than a quarter of a century of experience representing clients throughout Central Illinois. His experience includes defending people charged with DUI for the first time, those facing their second or more offense, and others arrested for causing an accident while under the influence. The attorney also helps drivers with DUI convictions get their licenses reinstated.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
W. Scott Hanken - Principal | Active | 35 yrs |
Compare our Top DUI Lawyers
Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
Harvatin Law Offices P.C. | 1100 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL62703 | View More | ||
Cherry, Frazier & Sabin, LLP | 1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL62701 | View More | ||
Vig Law, P.C. | 1100 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL62703 | View More | ||
Wykoff Law Office, LLC | 919 South 8th Street, Springfield, IL62703 | View More | ||
Grimaldi Law Office | 303 South Kickapoo Street, Lincoln, IL62656 | View More | ||
Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel | 1231 South 8th Street, Springfield, IL62703 | View More | ||
Brown, Hay + Stephens | 205 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL62701 | View More | ||
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law | 1100 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL62703 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Springfield, Illinois?
217-788-8311 is the non-emergency line of the Springfield Police Department.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Springfield, Illinois?
Contact the Springfield Police Records Department at 217-788-8337 to request a report. Payments can be sent by mail to Springfield Police Department, 800 E. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62701.
How is probation different from parole in a DUI conviction in Springfield?
Probation is a type of sentence imposed in a Springfield DUI conviction while parole is issued after a person is released from prison. Both are similar in the sense that they are supervision-based methods of punishment utilized in the criminal justice system. Probation is a common DUI sentence and involves the person not going to prison upon agreeing and adhering to certain terms and conditions.
What important things should be kept in mind when facing a first-time DUI in Springfield?
In Springfield, first-time DUI cases have deadlines, including automatic license suspension within 46 days if no hearing is requested. Court supervision may be available, sparing the conviction from appearing on the driving record. Typically a misdemeanor with standard sentencing, extensive evidence against the offender can result in additional punishment. A DUI lawyer can assist in mitigating severe consequences.
How can you pay court fees or fines in a DUI case in Springfield?
The Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office accepts money orders, cashier's checks, and cash for payment of fines and court fees in a Springfield DUI case. You can also pay using a debit or credit card, but these are subject to add-on fees. County residents are allowed to issue personal checks only for minor traffic offenses. For more information, call the clerk's office at 217-753-6674 or send an email to circuitclerk@sangamonil.gov. You can visit their office at 200 South Ninth Street in Springfield.
What typically happens in the criminal proceeding of a DUI arrest in Springfield?
Following a DUI arrest in Springfield, defendants' vehicles could get impounded, and they could spend time in jail or be discharged from police custody after bail. After this, they will face criminal charges, and the case will be prosecuted in court. They may be able to enter into a plea bargain or a diversionary program if they do not challenge the charges. If convicted, they could face drug and alcohol treatment counseling, fines, probation, or possible jail time.
How can you prepare for the Illinois Secretary of State hearing in a DUI case in Springfield?
First, prepare the documents to prove that you are not a risk to public safety. These documents include Treatment Needs Assessment, risk education and treatment documentation, and completed alcohol/drug evaluation forms. Be informed that the hearing is recorded, and you will be placed under oath, so be careful with what you say that may be detrimental to your case. A DUI lawyer in Springfield can assist you in arranging paperwork, formulating a testimony, and collecting evidence.
What does a DUI charge involve?
DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.
How do I choose a DUI attorney?
Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:
- Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
- Ask for referrals from family and friends
- Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
- Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
- Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
- Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
What happens when you get a DUI?
Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.
Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.
Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?
While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.
How much does a DUI cost?
DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.
When does a DUI become a felony?
Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:
- It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
- The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
- The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.
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