Getting pulled over and arrested for DUI is stressful enough without wondering what comes next. If you’ve just been arrested in Kane County, here’s a general rundown of the process ahead of you.

Booking and release

After the arrest, you’ll typically be taken to the police station for booking, which includes fingerprinting and photographs. Depending on the circumstances, you may be released the same day on bond or held until a bond hearing.

The statutory summary suspension clock starts running

Separate from any criminal case, your driving privileges face an automatic statutory summary suspension if you failed or refused a breath test. You generally have a limited window to challenge this administratively, so it’s worth moving quickly rather than waiting.

Your first court date

You’ll be given a date for your first court appearance, often called an arraignment. This is where charges are formally read and you enter an initial plea. It’s not the time to explain your side of the story, that comes later.

Building a defense takes time

Between the arrest and any trial or resolution, there’s usually a period of gathering evidence: police reports, field sobriety test footage, breath test calibration records, and more. Every DUI case turns on its own specific facts, and no two arrests play out exactly the same way.

What to do right now

Write down what you remember while it’s fresh, including where you were stopped, what was said, and what tests you were asked to perform. Then talk to an attorney before your first court date rather than after.

Our firm has represented clients across Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, Kendall and Cook County. See our DUI success stories page for examples of past case outcomes, or get in touch through our contact page to talk about your situation. This article is general information, not legal advice for your specific case.