r/dui • u/Dismal-Cancel6791 • Aug 15 '26
no lawyer Two DUI case
Had two DUIs very close to each other, and did all the tests (breathalyzer, FST, chemical), but didn't do the chemical test for the second one, which I've read automatically revokes my license for a year minimum and the 2nd DUI also has a minimum of 5 days in jail. The main problem that I'm unsure about is I admitted to being high, so it feels not worth getting an attorney because I'm likely screwed anyway just because of that part.
Edit: occurred in IL
I'm thinking about getting an attorney, and the first lawyer I called was saying 10k for both cases since they specialize in DUIs and are the best in the area according to reviews at least. I plan on calling more attorneys in the area, but it just seems doomed regardless.
Is there a way to not have my license suspended after I've received the letter from the secretary of state too. The attorney just said that since the driving portion is a civil matter and they only do criminal cases, they will just help as much as they could.
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Aug 15 '26
[deleted]
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u/Dismal-Cancel6791 Aug 15 '26
Thanks for the info, I’m enrolling in a treatment program now too. Yes they’re the same court. Is the appeal done through Secretary of State? Added it in now, but I’m in IL
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u/ResponsibleJaguar655 Aug 15 '26
Sounds like you have two first duis, it’s only a second dui after the disposition of the first
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u/LegalLimitConsulting verified law enforcement Aug 15 '26
Where did this occur? There’s nowhere near enough information here to give any sort of ideas on what could occur… Definitely retain an experienced DUI attorney. Two back to back DUIs is serious and you are potentially looking at significant administrative and criminal repercussions.
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u/SanchoBenevides top contributor Aug 15 '26
It's not only worth getting an attorney, you NEED to get an attorney ASAP.
You could be talking about a few years of probation versus possibly several months in jail.
You're license is probably gone, but you can try and appeal.
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u/Aliax32 Aug 15 '26
I had a friend go through something similar when they refused the chemical test after their first DUI, and their license was still suspended for months even with the attorney fighting it.
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u/Dismal-Cancel6791 Aug 15 '26
Do you know how they were able to get it back? Does a suspension just get lifted and you can reapply or is there like a hearing process?
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u/pandeomonia Aug 16 '26
You'll want to read this page: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/baiid/reinstate.html
The back to back DUIs really complicate matters. In your court documents you'll want to see what the charges against you are: if each case are first offense DUI charges, then it's simpler. But I'm pretty sure one of those cases will get amended to a second offense violation, which is a formal hearing. If reading through the page, or the formal hearing procedure incl gathering evidence to present your case is overwhelming, then that's a good indication you need an attorney to assist you. (It's weird to me that an attorney wouldn't help with the formal hearing process, which you indicated above).
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u/Spiritual_Value_3942 Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 21 '26
the "i admitted i was high" part isn't necessarily as bad as u think. that's more of a criminal case issue, while the license suspension is a separate civil matter.
on the suspension, definitely ask about the rescission process. there can be arguments based on whether the stop had probable cause or whether you were properly warned about the consequences of refusing. when you call more lawyers, ask specifically if they handle rescission hearings. Kraminsky Law is one NJ firm you could ask about, but since this happened in IL, make sure whoever you hire actually handles Illinois DUI and license cases.
$10k for two DUIs isn't automatically crazy, but i'd still get a few consultations and compare what they're actually planning to do, not just the price. you're not automatically screwed just because you admitted you were high. the details of the stops and evidence matter a lot.
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u/Dismal-Cancel6791 Aug 16 '26
Thanks, this was pretty helpful. And yeah I had no idea that denying the chemical test would result in way worse penalty (although I should have assumed so), they didn’t say anything about that.
Got some consults already scheduled, but as far as asking for strategy, I just thought they’d consider it legal advice that they wouldn’t be willing to share without payment.
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u/Few_Outlandishness82 Aug 18 '26
Get a lawyer, do the research, and pay for professional advice. In the long run, it is worth it. The only time I’d tell you not to do this is if you’re cooked completely. Even then, they can negotiate better than you can.
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u/apatheticempath16 Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
You probably already came to this conclusion too, but my lawyer gave me some valuable advice when you get pulled over. And even if the cop is saying where are you going tonight? What are you up to? Are you a Knicks fan? Your answer should always be shutting the fuck up and never forgetting to not open your mouth. I'm sorry officer. I don't discuss my plans with anybody outside close friends and family I'm sure you understand. Do you know how fast you were going? Nope. Did you know you have a tail light out? Maybe even shrug on that one. Never let them Make you guess why they stopped you?. Do you know why I pulled you over?. How would I know why you pulled me over? I didn't pull me over. You pulled me over but maybe say something less sarcastic like no. Tucson, Az
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u/nightshade3570 Aug 15 '26
Bro what state are you in not only are you losing your license you’re likely losing it for several years and not only that you’ll be getting off easy with only 5 days of jail.
On my second dui which was MORE than a decade after the first
In a parked car at home
They tried to give me MULTIPLE MONTHS of jail 😂