Practice Areas

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

A DUI is a serious offense. Not only are your driving privileges at stake…so is your freedom. That’s why you need an experienced Chicago DUI lawyer who will aggressively fight for your rights if you’re pulled over or arrested. As a prosecutor, Dan Calandriello handled hundreds of DUI cases in court and thoroughly understands the ins and outs of complicated DUI laws. He can help you navigate the confusing legal process.

 

Many factors come into play when you’re faced with a DUI. As your Chicago DUI attorney, Calandriello will explain them all. He will review your case from top to bottom, leaving no stone unturned, so that you get the results you deserve. He will carefully comb through the video, audio, court file, and police report to determine exactly what occurred. Often, this process will uncover items that can lead to a successful outcome—from a motion to quash evidence, suppress your Breathalyzer result, or a petition to rescind.

 

You may not realize it but there are really two cases pending when you’re arrested for a DUI: the criminal case and the civil case. Your license will be suspended regardless if you provide a breath sample or not. That’s why it’s essential you contact a Chicago DUI lawyer as soon as possible. The Law Office of Daniel Calandriello may be able to file a petition to rescind your Statutory Summary Suspension. Timing is crucial because the clock is ticking regarding your driving privileges.

REVOKED / SUSPENDED LICENSE

If you’ve lost your driving privileges because of a DUI, child support or any other judgment, don’t despair…there are multiple options available to get you back on the road legally. The key is to find a knowledgeable Chicago criminal defense attorney who understands the administrative hearing process and will work toward the most favorable outcome for you.

 

As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, Dan Calandriello will walk you through all the options when your license has been revoked or suspended. He will guide you through the application and hearing process to ensure you provide the information necessary to get your license reinstated. He will also prep you for the hearing and present your strongest case to the hearing officers.

 

Another option is to apply for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). Calandriello can oversee the multiple steps it takes to obtain an RDP—proving a hardship exists because you don’t have your driver’s license, providing a current alcohol/drug evaluation, and delivering proof of remedial education or treatment. Illinois Secretary of State rules and requirements are strict for either reinstating your license or receiving an RDP, so it’s in your best interest to retain a qualified Chicago criminal defense attorney.

 

If your license has been suspended for a DUI, you may be able to drive with a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). This requires you install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in your vehicle. The device measures your breath alcohol level and will allow you to start your vehicle only if you pass. Whatever your situation, having a seasoned Chicago criminal defense lawyer like Dan Calandriello at your side can be the difference between your ability to drive or not.

TRAFFIC OFFENSES

Speeding tickets are no joke in Illinois. Within the last few years, the laws regarding speeding tickets have changed increasing penalties to include possible jail time for speeds in excess of 26 mph over the speed limit, even on the expressways. They can affect your license, your insurance rates, and even your freedom. Even if you were issued tickets for speed much slower than that, you need an experience attorney to advise you about the consequences of the ticket especially on your driver’s licenses. If you are convicted of speeding, it will be reported to your insurance company and make no mistake about it your insurance premiums will be effective. Multiple speeding tickets can suspended or revoke your driver’s license.

 

If you were involved in an accident and charged with Failure to Reduce Speed, those tickets can also affect your driver’s license and open yourself to personal liability. Don’t just mail the ticket in or plea guilty without the advice of counsel

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Facing criminal charges can be frightening. And being convicted can be life-altering. Your best defense is retaining a skilled Chicago criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

 

With his years of experience as a prosecutor for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Dan Calandriello knows every angle to look for to defend your case. He is an advocate for your rights and will always fight for the best possible outcome.

 

From the start of your case, a practiced Chicago criminal defense attorney with courtroom finesse best serves you. At the bond hearing, your counsel should succinctly present your character to the judge to make sure you receive a fair bond. If you’re charged with a felony, you will have a preliminary hearing, at which time your Chicago criminal defense lawyer has the opportunity to preview the prosecution’s case as they attempt to show probable cause that a crime was committed. During pre-trial, the Law Office of Daniel Calandriello will analyze all the evidence in an effort to find possible litigation issues that can get your case dismissed or greatly hinder the state’s case against you. Finally, at trial, your Chicago criminal defense attorney will attempt to pick apart weaknesses in the state’s case—litigating for the best outcome.

 

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, don’t underestimate the value of a Chicago criminal defense attorney who has served both sides of the criminal justice system.

SEALS & EXPUNGEMENT

We all make mistakes. Thankfully, the law provides you with options to make sure those missteps don’t follow you for the rest of your life. If you’ve been convicted of a criminal offense, it may be possible to seal your records. Even an arrest or supervision can still be on your record. An expungement means your criminal record is completely destroyed physically, with your name removed from any public record. A sealing means your record will still exist, but only law enforcement, the courts and a few other entities will be able to view them without a court order. With few exceptions, most employers will not be able to see a sealed record.

 

The procedure for getting your records sealed or expunged may vary by jurisdiction. It is not as simple as filling out a form, a hearing before a judge may be required. Therefore, you should consult with an Illinois criminal lawyer who not only can file the proper paperwork in a timely matter but also is familiar with various courthouses and judges. Dan Calandriello has conducted hundreds of expungement/seal hearings in Chicagoland, including in Cook county.

 

Some crimes are not expungable or you may not be eligible to have your records sealed. In these cases, an Illinois criminal lawyer can file a Motion for Good Conduct, which is a courted-ordered finding of rehabilitation to aid in the search for employment. This certificate can help if you are looking for employment in the public school system, CTA or Chicago Park District. It also can be used to obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation in order to become a security guard, insurance producer, registered nurse, real estate broker, barber or cosmetologist, clinical social worker or massage therapist.

 

When you’re ready to move forward with your life, don’t let your past stop you. Put your trust in an experienced Illinois criminal lawyer like Dan Calandriello.