In Illinois, even first time DUI offenders face serious penalties, including a one year license revocation, fines, and even jail time. Fortunately, just because a person is arrested for driving under the influence, does not mean that he or she will be convicted, so if you have been charged with DUI, you should strongly consider contacting an experienced Joliet DUI lawyer who can help you formulate a defense.
Illinois drivers can be arrested for and charged with driving under the influence if they were operating a vehicle and:
The only exception to these laws is for drivers who have a valid registry card for the medical use of marijuana. However, if these individuals are determined to be impaired, they can also be convicted of DUI.
The penalties faced by a defendant who is convicted of driving under the influence depend on a series of factors, including:
Because a defendant’s sentence will depend on these factors, it is crucial for each person arrested for DUI to tailor their defense to their specific circumstances, which often requires the deft hand of a dedicated attorney.
In Illinois, those who are arrested for DUI can raise a number of defenses. For example, drivers who can prove that they were unlawfully pulled over may be able to have their charges dismissed, as all evidence gathered as a result of the unlawful detention will be inadmissible. Defendants can also raise questions about the results of their breathalyzer test, especially if it was conducted in a way that was contrary to standard procedure or if there was evidence that the device itself was functioning improperly. Finally, drivers who have a BAC of below .08, but higher than .05 can provide evidence that there were other reasons for their behavior that led the officer to believe that they were impaired, including fatigue or illness. Even defendants who are convicted can still retain use of their license to get to and from work and perform necessary errands, as long as they agree to certain demands, such as the installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.
To speak with an experienced Joliet DUI lawyer at Sabuco Beck, P.C. please call us today at 815-730-8860.