Introduction
DUI legal costs in Illinois can be substantial, especially in metropolitan areas like Chicago and Cook County. Even a first-time DUI offense often includes attorney fees, court fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, license suspension costs, and long-term increases in auto insurance premiums.
This guide explains DUI legal costs in Illinois, including lawyer fees, court fines, and the main factors that affect total expenses.
Average DUI Lawyer Fees in Illinois
DUI attorneys in Illinois typically charge flat fees, with costs increasing significantly for aggravated or repeat offenses.
DUI Lawyer Fees in Illinois
| DUI Case Type | Typical Attorney Fees |
|---|---|
| First-time DUI | $1,500–$4,500 |
| High BAC or enhanced charges | $3,000–$6,500+ |
| Repeat DUI offense | $4,500–$12,000+ |
| DUI involving accident or injury | $6,000–$15,000+ |
Cases in Chicago and Cook County generally cost more than cases in rural counties due to court congestion and higher attorney rates.
👉 Nationwide reference: How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States?
Illinois DUI Court Fines and Fees
Beyond attorney fees, DUI convictions in Illinois involve mandatory court fines and administrative penalties.
Illinois DUI Court Costs Breakdown
| Cost Type | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court fine | Up to ~$2,500 |
| Court costs & administrative fees | $300–$1,000+ |
| License reinstatement fee | ~$250 |
| Alcohol education or treatment program | $300–$1,500 |
| Ignition interlock device (IID) | $80–$150 per month |
Even when fines appear modest, combined court-related costs often exceed the base fine.
🔗 Related guide: Court Costs in the United States
Factors That Increase DUI Legal Costs in Illinois
DUI costs in Illinois rise sharply when aggravating factors are present.
Cost-Driving DUI Factors
| Aggravating Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| High blood alcohol concentration (BAC) | Higher fines and attorney fees |
| Prior DUI convictions | Mandatory enhanced penalties |
| DUI involving accident or injury | Significant increase in legal costs |
| Refusal of chemical testing | Automatic license suspension |
| Driving on suspended/revoked license | Felony-level consequences |
Each aggravating factor increases both direct legal costs and long-term penalties.
First-Time vs Repeat DUI Costs in Illinois
DUI Cost Comparison
| Offense Type | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|
| First-time DUI | $5,000–$9,000+ |
| Second or repeat DUI | $18,000+ |
| Aggravated DUI (injury/felony) | $25,000+ |
First-time DUI:
- Lower attorney fees
- Mandatory alcohol education
- No mandatory jail time in most cases
Repeat DUI:
- Mandatory jail time possible
- Higher fines and longer license suspension
- Significantly higher legal and administrative costs
Repeat offenses dramatically increase total expenses.
How Illinois DUI Costs Compare to Other States
Illinois DUI legal costs are generally higher than Ohio and Georgia, but lower than California and New York, where penalties and attorney rates are higher.
📊 Nationwide comparison: Legal Costs by State
How to Reduce DUI Legal Costs in Illinois
Ways to manage DUI expenses in Illinois include:
- Hiring an experienced DUI attorney early
- Complying with all court and Secretary of State requirements
- Completing alcohol education or treatment promptly
- Avoiding additional violations during the case
- Maintaining eligibility for restricted driving permits
Early compliance helps limit both immediate and long-term costs.
FAQ — DUI Legal Costs in Illinois
How much does a DUI cost in Illinois?
A DUI in Illinois typically costs $5,000–$9,000 for a first offense and can exceed $18,000 for repeat or aggravated cases.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Illinois?
DUI lawyers usually charge $1,500–$4,500 for first-time cases and $4,500–$12,000+ for repeat offenses.
Are DUI fines high in Illinois?
Court fines can reach ~$2,500, but total court-related costs often exceed $3,000 once fees and programs are included.
Does Illinois require ignition interlock devices?
Yes. IID installation is mandatory in many DUI cases, with monthly costs of $80–$150.
Do DUI costs include insurance increases?
No. Insurance premium increases are separate and can add thousands of dollars over several years.
Related Guides
Lawyer Fees in the United States
Legal Costs in Illinois
DUI Legal Costs by State
Criminal Defense Legal Costs in Illinois
External Resources (Official Sources)
Illinois Compiled Statutes — DUI Law (625 ILCS 5/11-501)
Illinois Secretary of State — DUI & License Reinstatement
Illinois Courts — DUI Offenses & Penalties
Conclusion
DUI legal costs in Illinois typically range from around $5,000 for a first offense to $18,000 or more for repeat or aggravated cases. Attorney fees, court fines, mandatory programs, and administrative penalties all contribute to the total cost.
Understanding these expenses helps drivers plan financially and make informed decisions when facing a DUI charge in Illinois.