First-time DUI charges in Illinois don't have to mean a criminal conviction or permanent license revocation—if you're eligible for diversion programs (Supervision), you can complete treatment and supervision to have charges dismissed entirely. As a Will County DUI lawyer with over 20 years of experience, including my time as a former Will County prosecutor, I've successfully navigated diversion for hundreds of clients, keeping their records clean and driving privileges intact. At the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba, we specialize in securing court supervision for Joliet-area drivers facing their first DUI. In this blog post, we'll explore eligibility for DUI diversion, the process in Will County, benefits like avoiding conviction, and strategies to qualify in 2025. For related defenses, check our posts on implied consent refusal and prescription medication DUIs .
Eligibility for DUI Diversion Programs in Illinois
Under 730 ILCS 5/5-6-1, court supervision (the primary diversion for first-time DUIs) is available for Class A misdemeanors if you have no prior convictions. High BAC’s (.16+), accident/injury, and minors in the car are potential issues. In Will County, judges grant supervision for eligible first-offense DUIs, requiring a guilty plea but dismissing charges upon completion. Aggravated factors disqualify you, but simple impairment cases often qualify. For the full supervision statute, refer to the Illinois Unified Code of Corrections on Court Supervision .
In 2025, with Illinois' emphasis on rehabilitation, diversion rates remain high for low-risk first-timers, but early legal intervention is key to avoid plea deals turning into convictions.
The Diversion Process and Requirements in Will County
The process starts with negotiation:
- Plea and Evaluation: Plead guilty; complete a Secretary of State-approved alcohol/drug evaluation (risk level determines treatment: 10-75 hours).
- Supervision Terms: 6-24 months including fines ($1,000+), community service (100 hours), BAIID installation, and random testing.
- Compliance Monitoring: Attend court reviews; violations (e.g., failed test) revoke supervision, leading to conviction.
- Dismissal: Successful completion expunges the plea, no conviction on record.
Will County courts in Joliet prioritize treatment, often combining with Victim Impact Panels for DUIs.
Benefits of Diversion for First-Time DUI
Diversion preserves your future:
- No criminal record, avoiding background check issues.
- Potential shorter license suspension with RDP eligibility.
- Lower insurance hikes and no felony escalation.
Without diversion, first DUIs can result in license revocations and $2,500 fines.
Strategies to Secure Diversion
To maximize chances:
- Hire counsel early to negotiate with prosecutors.
- Gather character references and treatment history.
- Challenge aggravating evidence (e.g., test accuracy) to strengthen eligibility.
- Complete voluntary programs pre-court to show initiative.
In Joliet, we've secured supervision for eligible clients, preventing revocations.
Why Hire a Will County DUI Lawyer for Diversion?
Diversion isn't automatic—prosecutors push convictions; my insider knowledge tips the scales for dismissal.
If you're facing a first-time DUI in Will County, contact the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba for a free consultation. Visit our contact page or call our Joliet office to qualify for diversion in 2025. Turn a mistake into a fresh start.
