Real Results from Our DuPage County DUI Lawyers

Our prosecutor-judge backgrounds deliver outcomes that protect your freedom, license, and future.

Recent case victories show what's possible with the right defense team:

• First DUI Dismissed – Client blew .14 BAC. We proved illegal traffic stop, judge threw out all evidence.
• Felony Reduced to Misdemeanor – Third DUI charge. Negotiated supervision, client avoided mandatory prison.
• CDL Driver Keeps License – Commercial driver facing career-ending DUI. Won at trial, license saved.
• No Jail for Aggravated DUI – Child passenger case with mandatory jail time. Secured probation instead.
• .19 BAC Gets Supervision – High BAC first offense. Found breathalyzer errors, negotiated court supervision.
• Drug DUI Charges Dropped – Prescription medication case. Proved legal use, all charges dismissed.

Every case is unique, but our insider knowledge consistently finds opportunities others miss.

Fighting DUI Charges in DuPage County with Insider Experience

A DUI charge means you're accused of driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher, or being impaired by drugs or alcohol while driving.

If convicted, you face:

• License suspension for 6-12 months
• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines up to $2,500
• Mandatory alcohol classes
• Permanent criminal record that affects your employment and insurance rates for life

But an arrest isn't a conviction.

Most clients aren't criminals—they're professionals who misjudged their limit, parents caught at checkpoints, or people whose medical conditions mimicked impairment. Illinois prosecutors pursue every DUI aggressively, even questionable ones.

That's why insider experience matters. Mike McMahon prosecuted hundreds of DUI cases—he knows what evidence prosecutors need and where cases collapse. Judge Pierce presided over DUI trials for years—he understands what creates reasonable doubt and wins in court.

We spot weaknesses others miss: invalid stops, faulty tests, procedural violations, missing evidence. We know which prosecutors negotiate and which defenses specific judges favor. We understand when to push for dismissal versus securing supervision.

Your future deserves more than textbook defense.

Common Outcomes We Pursue for DUI Cases in DuPage County

Every DUI case is different, but our prosecutor and judge experience helps us identify the best possible outcome for your specific situation.

We know what outcomes are realistic in DuPage County courts and how to position your case to achieve them.

Best-Case Outcomes

• Complete Dismissal – all charges dropped due to constitutional violations or procedural errors
• Not Guilty Verdict – winning at trial when evidence is weak or improperly obtained
• Charge Reduction – felony DUI reduced to misdemeanor or DUI reduced to reckless driving

Favorable Plea Outcomes

• Court Supervision – completing requirements without a conviction on your record
• Conditional Discharge – probation without jail time for first-time offenders
• Deferred Prosecution – charges dismissed after completing program requirements
• Reduced BAC Charge – high BAC charges reduced to standard DUI levels

Penalty Minimization

• No Jail Time – probation or alternative sentencing instead of incarceration
• Reduced Fines – negotiating lower financial penalties and court costs
• Shorter License Suspension – minimizing driving privilege loss periods
• Work/Medical Driving Permits – maintaining essential driving privileges during suspension

Long-Term Protection

• Avoiding Felony Conviction – keeping multiple DUIs at misdemeanor level
• Professional License Protection – preventing career-ending consequences
• Future Expungement Eligibility – preserving options to clear your record later
• Immigration Status Protection – avoiding deportation consequences for non-citizens

Our insider knowledge of DuPage County prosecutors and judges helps us pursue the outcome that best protects your future, whether that's fighting for dismissal or negotiating the most favorable resolution possible

DUI Charges We Defend in DuPage County

Every DUI charge carries different penalties and requires different defense strategies based on the specific statute and circumstances.

We defend all Illinois DUI charges throughout DuPage County, giving you experienced representation regardless of the complexity or severity of your case.

Standard DUI Offenses

• ‍First-Time DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(1)) - driving with .08% BAC or higher, facing license suspension, fines, and potential jail time even as a first offense.‍
• Under the Influence (625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(2)) - impaired driving under .08% BAC, prosecuted based on officer observations and field sobriety tests rather than blood alcohol level.‍
• Multiple DUI Offenses (625 ILCS 5/11-501) - second, third, and subsequent DUI charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences and longer license revocations.

Aggravated & Felony DUIs

• ‍High BAC DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501(c)(1)) - blood alcohol of .16% or higher, doubling minimum penalties and requiring ignition interlock devices.‍
• DUI with Accident or Injury (625 ILCS 5/11-501(d)(1)(C)) - felony charges when DUI causes bodily harm, great bodily harm, or permanent disability to another person.‍
• Child Passenger Present (625 ILCS 5/11-501(c)(2)) - additional penalties when driving under the influence with passengers under 16 years old.‍
• School Zone or Construction Zone DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501.2) - enhanced penalties for DUI in designated safety zones during specified hours.‍
• Driving on Suspended/Revoked License (625 ILCS 5/6-303) - separate criminal charges often filed alongside DUI when your license was already suspended.

Drug & Prescription DUIs

• ‍Cannabis DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(6)) - impairment by marijuana, including legal medical cannabis, with specific nanogram thresholds in blood or saliva.‍
• Prescription Medication DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(4)) - impairment by legally prescribed medications that affect your ability to drive safely.‍
• Controlled Substance DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(3)) - driving under the influence of illegal drugs, cocaine, heroin, or other controlled substances.

Special Circumstances

• ‍Commercial Driver (CDL) DUI (625 ILCS 5/6-514) - lower .04% threshold for commercial drivers, potentially ending your commercial driving career permanently.‍
• Underage Zero Tolerance (625 ILCS 5/11-501.8) - drivers under 21 with any detectable alcohol, facing immediate license suspension and criminal penalties.‍
• Out-of-State Driver DUI - Illinois charges that trigger license actions in your home state through interstate compacts and reciprocal agreements.

Every DUI case has weaknesses—our job is finding them and using them to beat the prosecution with strategies that come from decades of insider experience.

What We Can Do For Your DUI Charges In DuPage County

A DUI charge requires comprehensive legal defense across multiple fronts—from challenging evidence to protecting your driving privileges.

Our prosecutor and judge experience gives us the insight to attack your case from every angle while providing complete representation throughout the entire process.

Case Investigation & Evidence Collection

• Police Report Analysis – identifying inconsistencies and procedural violations
• Dashcam & Body Camera Review – obtaining and analyzing all recorded evidence
• Witness Interviews – locating and preserving testimony that supports your defense
• Scene Investigation – documenting road conditions, lighting, and other factors
• Medical Records Review – proving medical conditions that affect tests or behavior

Defense Strategies & Challenges

• Traffic Stop Challenges – exposing illegal or fabricated reasons for pulling you over
• Field Sobriety Test Defense – showing improper procedures, bad conditions, or medical issues
• Breathalyzer Challenges – uncovering calibration errors, faulty operation, and false positives
• Blood Test Defense – proving contamination, chain of custody problems, and lab mistakes
• Constitutional Violations – suppressing illegally obtained evidence through motions
• Rising BAC Defense – proving you were under .08 while driving

Court Representation & Advocacy

• Arraignment Representation – protecting your rights at your first court appearance
• Motion Filing – pre-trial motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence
• Plea Negotiations – leveraging relationships with prosecutors for reduced charges
• Trial Representation – full jury trial defense when fighting is the best option
• License Hearing Defense – separate administrative hearings to save your driving privileges
• Sentencing Advocacy – minimizing penalties if conviction occurs

Post-Conviction & Long-Term Services

• Appeal Services – challenging unfavorable verdicts in higher courts
• Expungement & Sealing – clearing your record when legally possible
• Compliance Monitoring – ensuring you meet all court requirements
• Alternative Sentencing – pursuing treatment programs instead of jail time

With decades of experience as prosecutor and judge, we know which strategies actually work and how to execute them effectively in DuPage County courts.

DUI Defense Coverage Throughout DuPage County

We defend clients arrested for DUI anywhere in DuPage County, Illinois.

After 40 years practicing in these courts, we know every jurisdiction's unique procedures and preferences, giving you advantages that outside attorneys simply can't provide.

We Defend Clients Arrested In:

Wheaton • Naperville • Aurora • Elmhurst • Lombard • Downers Grove • Glen Ellyn • Oak Brook • Hinsdale • Addison • Villa Park • Bloomingdale • Carol Stream • Glendale Heights • Lisle • Westmont • Woodridge • Bartlett • West Chicago • Hanover Park • Bensenville • Clarendon Hills • Darien • Itasca • Roselle • Warrenville • Winfield • Wood Dale • Burr Ridge • Willowbrook

We also cover unincorporated DuPage County (Sheriff's Department arrests) and State Police arrests on I-88, I-355, I-294, Route 83, and other highways

DuPage County Court Locations

DuPage County Judicial Center (Main Courthouse)

• Address: 505 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
• Handles: All felony DUI cases and majority of misdemeanor DUIs
• Our Experience: 40+ years appearing before every judge in this courthouse

Addison Field Court

• Address: 3 Friendship Plaza, Addison, IL 60101
• Handles: Limited misdemeanor cases and traffic violations
• Coverage Area: Addison and surrounding jurisdictions

Downers Grove Field Court

• Address: 4000 Saratoga Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
• Handles: Limited misdemeanor cases and traffic violations
• Coverage Area: Downers Grove and surrounding jurisdictions

Additional Coverage:

• Cook County courts for neighboring jurisdiction cases
• Kane County courts for border area arrests
• Will County courts for multi-county charges

Our deep relationships with local prosecutors and familiarity with each judge's courtroom preferences give you the local advantage that determines whether you beat your DUI charges or face maximum penalties.

How Our DUI Defense Process Works in DuPage County

From the moment you call, we take control of your case and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Our systematic approach combines immediate action with long-term strategy, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks while we build the strongest possible defense.

Phase 1: Immediate Response & Case Evaluation

‍We talk to you right away to understand what happened and make sure you don't miss important deadlines like license hearings. We get dashcam videos and witness information before they disappear, look at how you were arrested to find problems with the police case, and create a defense plan that fits your specific situation.

Phase 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering

We go through the police report to find mistakes and get all the evidence the state has against you, including videos and test results. We do our own investigation by visiting the arrest scene, talking to witnesses, and bringing in experts when needed. We also get your medical records that might explain test results and write motions to throw out evidence or dismiss your charges.

Phase 3: Court Representation & Advocacy

‍We go to court with you for your first appearance and protect your rights, then talk to prosecutors using our connections to get you a better deal. We argue in court to keep out evidence that was gathered illegally and fight at separate hearings to keep your driver's license. If your case goes to trial, we prepare arguments and witnesses to defend you.

Phase 4: Resolution & Follow-Through

‍We get you the best plea deal possible when that's right for your case, or we fight for you in trial when that's better. If you do get convicted, we work to reduce your penalties and help you complete all court requirements. We also work to clear your record later when the law allows it.

Throughout this entire process, you'll receive regular updates and clear explanations of what's happening, so you're never left wondering about the status of your case or what comes next.

How to Get Your DUI Defense Started in DuPage County

Getting experienced DUI defense shouldn't be complicated when you're already dealing with arrest stress and legal uncertainty.

Our simple 3-step process gets you immediate help and a clear path forward, so you know exactly what to expect and how we'll protect you.

Step 1: Call or Fill Out Our Form

‍Call 630-953-4400 anytime, 24/7 for an immediate consultation, or fill out our contact form if you prefer a callback at a convenient time. This free case review has no cost or obligation—we understand DUI arrests are urgent and time-sensitive, so we're available weekends and holidays because arrests don't wait for business hours.

Step 2: Get Your Defense Plan

‍We'll listen to everything that happened during your arrest and give you a complete explanation of the charges you're facing and their potential consequences. You'll receive a specific defense strategy showing how we plan to attack weaknesses in the prosecution's case, realistic timeline expectations for resolution, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We'll outline exactly what happens next and what you need to do.

Step 3: Get Your Defense

‍We start working on your case the moment you hire us, immediately securing dashcam footage and witness statements before they disappear. We handle all court filings, paperwork, and legal deadlines while leveraging our prosecutor relationships to begin negotiations immediately. We'll file for administrative hearings to protect your driving privileges and keep you updated throughout the entire process.

No waiting, no confusion, no surprises – just experienced DUI defense that starts protecting you immediately.

Why McMahon Law Offices Wins DUI Cases in DuPage County

We've been on every side of a DUI case—prosecutor, judge, and defense—and we use that insider knowledge to protect you.

Here's what sets us apart from other DUI lawyers in DuPage County:

Former Prosecutor Advantage

‍Mike McMahon spent years as a prosecutor, so he knows exactly how the state builds DUI cases and where they make mistakes. When he sees the police report and evidence against you, he spots the weak points that other defense lawyers miss because he used to be the one trying to convict people like you.

Retired Judge Insight

‍Judge Pierce decided hundreds of DUI cases from the bench, so he knows what arguments actually work with judges and what creates reasonable doubt with juries. His experience as the person making these decisions gives you an advantage that regular defense attorneys simply can't match.

40+ Years in DuPage Courts

‍We know every courthouse, every judge, and every prosecutor in DuPage County personally. This local knowledge helps us get better plea deals and win more cases because we understand how each person thinks and what they respond to. Outside lawyers don't have these relationships.

500+ Successful DUI Defenses

‍From first-time offenses to serious felonies, we've successfully defended every type of DUI charge you can face in Illinois. Our track record speaks for itself—we know what works because we've done it hundreds of times before with real results for real clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense in DuPage County

Get answers to common DUI defense questions.

What makes McMahon Law Offices different from other DUI lawyers in DuPage County?

We bring unique insider experience that other firms can't match. Mike McMahon prosecuted DUI cases for years, so he knows exactly how the state builds their case and where to find weaknesses. Judge Cary Pierce presided over hundreds of DUI trials, so he knows what arguments create reasonable doubt. This prosecutor-judge perspective, combined with 40+ years in DuPage County courts, gives you advantages that traditional defense attorneys simply cannot provide.

Do you handle DUI cases 24/7 in DuPage County?

Yes, we're available 24/7 for DUI emergencies because arrests don't wait for business hours. Whether you're arrested at 2 AM on a weekend or need immediate guidance after being pulled over, call us anytime. We understand that the first hours after an arrest are critical for protecting your rights and preserving evidence.

What types of DUI charges do you defend in DuPage County?

We defend all DUI charges in DuPage County, from first-time offenses to serious felonies. This includes standard DUIs, aggravated DUIs with accidents or high BAC, drug and prescription DUIs, CDL violations, underage zero tolerance, and multiple offense cases. Each type requires different defense strategies, and we have experience winning all of them.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer after a DUI arrest in DuPage County?

Contact us immediately—ideally within 24 hours of your arrest. Early action allows us to preserve evidence, protect your driving privileges, and begin building your defense while details are fresh. The state moves quickly in DUI cases, and certain deadlines like requesting a license hearing can't be extended. The sooner you call, the more options we have to protect you.

Can you really get DUI charges dismissed or reduced?

Yes, we regularly achieve dismissals, reductions, and supervision for our clients. Every DUI case has potential weaknesses like illegal traffic stops, faulty breathalyzers, improper procedures, or constitutional violations. Our prosecutor and judge backgrounds help us identify these issues that others miss. While every case is different and we can't guarantee specific outcomes, our track record includes hundreds of successful defenses.

What courts do you practice in for DuPage County DUI cases?

We defend DUI cases in all DuPage County courts, including the main DuPage County Judicial Center in Wheaton, as well as the Addison and Downers Grove field courts. After 40 years practicing in these specific courtrooms, we know every judge's preferences and every prosecutor's approach, which gives you a significant local advantage.

Get Immediate DUI Help Now

Don't let a DUI arrest become a conviction. The decisions you make today determine whether you keep your license, avoid jail, and protect your future.

Every hour matters. Evidence disappears. Deadlines pass. Options close.

Call 630-953-4400 or fill out our contact form to get your free case evaluation.

Available 24/7 because DUI arrests don't wait for business hours.

Defending DUI cases throughout DuPage, Cook, Kane, and Will Counties. Former prosecutor and retired judge using insider knowledge to protect your freedom.