A DUI arrest in DuPage County sets two cases in motion: a criminal charge in the Circuit Court and a separate license suspension through the Illinois Secretary of State. Both move quickly. Stavros Law Offices defends DUI charges throughout DuPage County, including Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Elmhurst, Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, West Chicago and Wood Dale. Our office is in Wheeling, and we handle cases in DuPage County courts. Our attorneys, Justin Stavros and Vincent Stavros, are both former Lake County Assistant State's Attorneys. See our attorney profiles to learn more.
Where a DuPage County DUI Case Is Heard
DuPage County is the 18th Judicial Circuit. DUI, misdemeanor, traffic and felony cases are heard at the DuPage County Courthouse, 505 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, where the Circuit Clerk's office is also located. The courthouse lists courtrooms assigned to DUI and summary suspension matters, and the clerk's criminal and traffic department handles court dates. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm them with the Circuit Clerk or call our office.
The Two Clocks: Criminal Case and License
After a DUI arrest, the officer reports a failed or refused chemical test to the Secretary of State. The statutory summary suspension takes effect on the 46th day after you receive notice. For a first offender, it lasts six months after a test at 0.08 or higher and twelve months after a refusal. You may ask the court in writing, within 90 days of notice, to rescind it, but that request does not pause the suspension. First offenders may qualify for a monitoring device driving permit, which requires an ignition interlock. See our summary suspension and driving permit guides, and what to expect from license reinstatement later on.
What a DUI Conviction Can Mean
A first or second DUI is generally a Class A misdemeanor, with less than one year in jail possible and a fine generally up to $2,500. Aggravated DUI is a felony, for example a third offense, driving on a revoked license, or a crash causing great bodily harm. A conviction also leads to license revocation. Our Illinois DUI penalties guide explains the ranges, and we have separate guides to first-time DUI, second-offense DUI and aggravated DUI.
Who Prosecutes the Case
The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases in the county, including DUI, and has its offices in the courthouse complex in Wheaton. We review the police reports, video and testing records that the prosecution relies on, then decide whether to challenge the evidence, negotiate or try the case.
How We Defend DUI Charges
We examine the stop, the field sobriety tests and the breath or blood testing, and we handle the license side, including hearings. For our full practice overview, visit our Illinois DUI defense page. New to the process? Our Illinois DUI client guide walks through each step, and the page on your first court date explains what happens at the first appearance. For other charges, see our DuPage County criminal defense page and our Illinois criminal defense overview.
DuPage Towns That Cross County Lines
Some communities, including Bartlett, Batavia and St. Charles, lie partly in DuPage County and partly in Kane County, and Aurora also appears on both counties' municipal lists. The county named on your ticket decides where you appear. We also defend DUI cases in Kane, Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my DuPage County DUI case be heard?
At the DuPage County Courthouse, 505 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm with the Circuit Clerk or call our office.
Do you handle DuPage County DUI cases even though your office is in Wheeling?
Yes. Our office is at 433 N. Milwaukee Ave in Wheeling, and we represent clients in DuPage County courts. Call us with your ticket or release papers and we will confirm where you appear.
Will I lose my license after a DUI arrest in DuPage County?
Not on arrest day. If you fail or refuse a chemical test, the summary suspension begins on the 46th day after notice. You can ask the court to rescind it within 90 days, and first offenders may qualify for a monitoring device driving permit.
Can a first DUI end in court supervision?
Sometimes. Supervision is discretionary and is unavailable if you have a prior DUI conviction or supervision. We review your record before advising you.
Which office prosecutes DUI cases in DuPage County?
The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, which has its offices in the courthouse complex in Wheaton.
Talk to Our Team
Call (847) 520-4810 (our phone line is available 24/7) or request a free consultation online. Our office is at 433 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, open Monday–Friday 9–5 and closed Saturday. Bilingual staff can assist; se habla español.
This page is general information about Illinois law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, no lawyer can guarantee a result, and past results do not predict future outcomes.