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Chicago Post-Conviction Relief Attorney

Just because you were convicted of a crime doesn’t mean that your conviction must forever haunt employment background checks, stop you from becoming a U.S. citizen or remain a deportation threat.

There is no reason to let a youthful mistake, misunderstanding, past criminal record—or especially a criminal identity theft—be a barrier to future opportunities. Many options of post-conviction relief are available to help you, even after you have served time, finished probation, or paid your fines. Relief is critical for clearing the records of victims of criminal identity theft.

Through post-conviction proceedings, the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus can attempt to lessen the negative consequences of having been convicted of a crime. Your background may be used against you in rental matters, employment and education opportunities, by Immigration and Naturalization—and even socially.

Contact us at (847) 966-0300 for a FREE, confidential, initial consultation.

Why Post-Conviction Relief?

Wheeling DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence is penalized heavily in the State of Illinois. Lawmakers recently passed new legislation targeting DUI offenders who attempt to circumvent administrative penalties by driving on a revoked or suspended license. If you have been charged with DUI, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how the crime is prosecuted and how to (at least) get the charges reduced.

The Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus have successfully managed the cases of a number of individuals who made a mistake on their way home from the bar. While the consequences can be tragic, the penalty should not destroy your life or your ability to earn a living and provide for your family. Our attorneys understand this and will help plead your case to the judge.

Fighting the Charge

You can, if so inclined, fight a DUI charge. There are a number of reasons why an individual may be charged with DUI unfairly. The prosecution must be able to show that you were both driving the vehicle and “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol while operating it. Generally, it is the second part of this proof that is targeted in a DUI offense. Similarly, you can show that the stop was illegal or unwarranted.

“I Was Not Driving” Defenses

In some situations, it may be unclear if you were actually driving the vehicle. For instance, you might be behind the wheel, but the car is not turned on. A police officer stops to check and realizes that you are inebriated. They then give you a ticket for DUI. In some states, this is enough to prove a DUI. In Illinois, however, the prosecution must show that you were actually driving the vehicle.

In some cases, this can be inferred through circumstantial evidence. For instance, what if you are walking along the highway and are stopped by a police officer. The officer smells alcohol on your breath and your car is in a ditch somewhere down the road. In this case, the officer can infer that you were drunk and driving. If there was someone else in the car, however, it becomes more difficult.

“I Was Not Under the Influence” Defenses

In cases of alcohol, a driver must submit to a breathalyzer test or risk a one-year suspension of their license. In most cases, this is actually worse than a DUI charge. However, the police officer may have not administered the test properly or they made a determination based on a field sobriety test. Field sobriety tests are not very accurate and are prone to giving false positives. If the police officer later administers a blood test and finds some drug in your system, they can charge you DUI regardless of whether or not you were impaired. An experienced Wheeling DUI attorney can make the case that you were not inebriated at the time of the offense. The prosecution still has the burden of proof.

Talk to a Wheeling DUI Attorney

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus can also help you plead your DUI down. If you have been charged with DUI, please give us a call or talk to us online.

Client Reviews

Awards/ Affiliation

For Over 33 Years

Senior Partner Jonathan Minkus has successfully defended individuals charged with every conceivable criminal offense, from traffic misdemeanors to death-penalty eligible homicides.

We urge you to contact us for a FREE, confidential, initial consultation.

See How We Can Help

Change Your Future. Free Initial Consultation.
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Address :

TWIN LAKES OFFICE: P.O. Box 16
Twin Lakes, WI 53181

Contact:

Ph : (262) 724-0080
Email : lawyermink@yahoo.com